Imidazo [2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole sulfonamides

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) and the use of compounds of Formula (I) as neuroprotective agents in the treatment of neuronal disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sulfonamide compounds useful in the preventionof neuronal cell loss or in the treatment of nerve cell or axonaldegradation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various neurotrophins characterized by Neuronal Growth Factor (NGF),brain derived growth factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and others(NT-4, CNTF, GDNF, IGF-1), have been identified as key survival factorsfor neurons. NGF plays a critical role in the development andmaintenance of cholinergic forebrain neurons of the CNS and neurons ofthe peripheral nervous system (PNS); neurons of the PNS arecharacterized as small fiber sensory neurons associated with pain andtemperature sensation, in addition to neurons of the sympathetic gangliaand dorsal root ganglia (SCGs and DRGs, respectively). BDNF plays a rolein motor neuron survival. Both BDNF and NT-3 are expressed in the CNSand serve similar purposes in multiple subsets of cortical andhyppocampal neurons; neurons of the CNS are characterized by those foundin the brain, spinal chord, and eye. The removal of these, and relatedtrophic factors from in vitro cellular media results in the degradationof the axonal processes, leading to apoptosis of cultured neurons.

Localized tissue loss of NGF, or reduced axonal retrograde transport ofNGF to the cell body, have been causally implicated in the developmentof peripheral neuropathies and neuropathic pain regularly observed indiabetes and HIV patients. Several double blind Phase II clinical trialshave found that the systemic administration of recombinant human NGF(rhNGF) (U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,202) displayed beneficial effects onneuropathic pain, physiology, and cognition related to these diseases(Apfel, S. C. et. al. JAMA, 248(17), 2215–2221; Apfel, S. C. Neurology51, 695–702, 1998; McAurthur, J. C. et al. Neurology 54, 1080–1088,2000). Side effects related to rhNGF treatment included injection sitepain, hyperalgesia, and other pain related symptoms. Despite thesesymptoms, a large number of patients continued rhNGF treatment afterunblinding.

Various chemotherapeutic drugs such as Taxol™, cisplatin, vinblastine,and vincristine, cause dose dependent peripheral neuropathies,characterized by peripheral pain and loss of function. In many casesthese neuropathies effectively limit the amount, and duration, ofchemotherapy given to, patients. For example, upwards of 50% of patientsreceiving Taxol™ chemotherapy experience severe, and cumulative,peripheral neuropathies. The progression of the neuropathy necessitatesthe use of a dosing regime which is characterized by three cycles offourteen days of Taxol™ treatment, followed by 14 days of recovery.Regression of the neuropathy is often observed between treatment cyclesand following the final treatment. The degree and duration of recoveryvaries largely between patients. In addition to peripheral neuropathies,cisplatin treatment invariably results in some form of auditory loss,especially in children, due to neuronal damage in the inner ear, withminimal recovery of the neurons after completion of treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to imidazo[2,1-b] thiadiazole sulfonamides, whichare useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of the CNSand/or PNS, for the inhibition of various serine-threonine proteinkinases, phosphatases, CA, for inhibiting the degradation, dysfunction,or loss of neurons of the CNS and/or PNS, or enhancing the phenotype ofneuronal cell types and preserving the axonal function of neuronal andsynaptic processes of the CNS and/or of the PNS or altering signaltransduction.

Also included are selected methods for the preparation of thesecompounds.

The imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole sulfonamide derivatives andprecursors of the present invention include compounds of the Formula I:

-   or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein:-   R¹ and R² are individually selected from the group consisting of H,    lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, and fluoroalkyl;-   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, cyano,    azide, thiocyanate, formyl, lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl,    fluoroalkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, aryl, substituted aryl,    heteroaryl, and substituted heteroaryl;-   R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of H, lower alkyl,    substituted lower alkyl, fluoroalkyl, substituted fluoroalkyl, aryl,    substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, adamantly,    coumarinyl, and substituted coumarinyl; or R⁶ is represented by W:

-   wherein:-   n represents 0 or 1;-   the ring system containing X⁷–X¹¹ represents a 5 or 6 membered    aromatic or heteroaromatic ring system, in which X⁷–X¹¹ are    independently selected from the group consisting of C, N, S, and O;-   when any one of X⁷–X¹¹ independently represents C, a respective    R⁷–R¹¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of:    -   a) H, halogen, nitro, cyano, lower alkyl, substituted lower        alkyl, fluoroalkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, aryl,        substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, acyl,        lower alkylcarbonyl, substituted lower alkylcarbonyl,        arylcarbonyl, substituted arylcarbonyl, heteroarylcarbonyl, or        substituted heteroarylcarbonyl;    -   b) SO₂NR¹⁶R¹⁷ wherein R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are independently selected        from the group consisting of lower alkyl, substituted lower        alkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, substituted        heteroaralkyl aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, and        substituted heteroaryl, or wherein R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are joined to        form an alkyl, substituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, or substituted        heteroalkyl ring system;    -   c) SO_(n)R¹⁸ wherein n=0, 1 or 2, and wherein R¹⁸ is selected        from the group consisting of lower alkyl, substituted lower        alkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, substituted        heteroaralkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, and        substituted heteroaryl;    -   d) XR¹⁹ wherein X is defined as S or O, and R¹⁹ is defined as        alkyl, substituted alkyl, fluoroalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl,        heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, acyl, lower alkylcarbonyl,        substituted lower alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, substituted        arylcarbonyl, heteroarylcarbonyl, substituted        heteroarylcarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl,        or substituted arylaminocarbonyl;    -   e) NR¹⁴R¹⁵ wherein R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are defined as lower alkyl joined        to form an alkyl, substituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, or substituted        heteroalkyl ring system; and    -   f) CO₂R²⁰ wherein R²⁰ is defined as H, lower alkyl, substituted        lower alkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, aryl, substituted        aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, or NR²¹R²², wherein        R²¹ and R²² are independently selected from the group consisting        of lower alkyl, aralkyl, aryl;-   wherein when any one of X⁷–X¹¹ represents N, that nitrogen is    attached to the adjacent atoms by either one single and one double    bond (as in pyridinyl systems), or by two single bonds (as in    indolyl or imidazolyl systems);-   wherein when any one of X⁷–X¹¹ represents N, and that nitrogen is    attached to the adjacent atoms by one single and one double bond,    the respective R⁷–R¹¹ represents a lone pair;-   when any one of X⁷–X¹¹ represents N, and that nitrogen is attached    to the adjacent atoms by two single bonds (as in indolyl or    imidazolyl systems), the respective R⁷–R¹¹ is selected from the    group consisting of H, lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl,    aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl,    substituted heteroaryl, SO₂R¹⁸, wherein R¹⁸ is defined as in c),    COR¹⁸, wherein R¹⁸ is defined as in c);-   when n=0, R⁷ and R⁸, or R⁸ and R⁹ are combined to form a fused 5, 6,    or 7 membered alkyl, substituted alkyl, heteroalky, substituted    heteroalkyl, heteroaralkyl, substituted heteroaralkyl, aryl,    substituted aryl, heteroaryl, or heteroaryl ring system;-   when n=1 and X⁹ represents C, R⁷ and R⁸, or R⁸ and R¹⁰ are combined    to form a fused 5, 6, or 7 membered alkyl, substituted alkyl,    heteroalky, substituted heteroalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, or    heteroaryl ring system; and-   any one of R⁷–R¹¹ represents a lone pair when the respective X⁷–X¹¹    represents S or O;-   with the proviso that compounds 1, 4, 10, 14, 20, 60, 72, 105, 109,    111, 114, 124, 126, 127, 133, and 153 are excluded.

The invention relates to sulfonamide compounds of Formula I and the useof compounds of Formula I (including those noted within the provisoexcluding the actual compounds themselves) for the prevention ofneuronal cell loss or the treatment of nerve cell or axonal degradation,in either the central or peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS,respectively). The invention is useful in prevention or treatment ofconditions leading to or resulting from such diseases as Alzheimer's,Huntington's, Parkinson's, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, HIV, fromischemic insults such as stroke in the brain (CNS), retinal ganglionloss following acute ocular stroke or hypertension as in glaucoma, andfrom infection by viruses such as Hepatitis C and Herpes Simplex.Further, the invention provides compounds for use in treatment ofneuropathies resulting from chemotherapeutic agents used in thetreatment of HIV and proliferative disease such as cancer, for thetreatment of inflammatory diseases.

In order to identify compounds which mimic the positive effects of NGFon peripheral neurons, but which lack the inherent difficultiesassociated with the use of recombinant human proteins and the rhNGFrelated hyperalgesia, we have developed several in vitro screens using avariety of neurotoxic insults. PNS neurons such as the superior cervicalganglion (SCG) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) undergo apoptosis whensubjected to NGF withdrawal. Treatment with chemotherapeutic agents suchas Taxol™, cisplatin, vinblastine, vincristine, and anti-viral agentssuch as D4T, also induce neuronal apoptosis. Similarly, neurons of theCNS, such as cortical neurons, are sensitive to various neurotoxicagents such as β-amyloid, NMDA, osmotic shock, Taxol™ and cisplatin.Additionally, retinal ganglion (RG) neurons subjected to hypoxia undergoapoptosis. Compounds which protect neurons from neurotoxic insults suchas those mentioned above will be useful in the treatment of theperipheral neuropathies observed in diseases such as diabetes and HIV.Compounds which protect neurons from chemotherapeutic toxicity, if givenprior to, concurrently with, or following, chemotherapeutic treatmentwill allow for the use of increasing concentrations of chemotherapeuticsand/or extend the duration of chemotherapy treatments. Alternatively,enhanced recovery will be observed if such compounds are given duringthe recovery stages, and post treatment. These compounds will also beuseful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS, suchas AD, PD, HD, stroke, MS, macular degeneration, glaucoma, opticalstroke and retinal degeneration, and the like.

We have shown that compounds of Formula I protect SCG neurons fromseveral neurotoxic insults, including NGF withdrawal and treatment withchemotherapeutics such as Taxol™, cisplatin, and vincristine. Compoundsof Formula I also protect cortical motor neurons from malonate induceddeath.

When such agents are administered to mice treated with Taxol™, eitherbefore, during or after a two week dosing period, marked improvementsare observed in the animal's general health, weight gain, and gait, ascompared to animals treated with Taxol™ alone. Additionally, compoundsof Formula I aid in the regeneration of neurons damaged as a result ofsciatic nerve crush.

Selected examples from Formula I have been previously described. Theiruses include anti-bacterial agents (Gadad, A. K. Eur J. Med. Chem.,35(9), 853–857, 2000), anti-proliferative agents (Gadad, A. K. India.Arzneim.-Forsch., 49(10), 858–863, 1999), and as carbonic anhydrase (CA)inhibitors (Barnish, I. T., et. al. J. Med. Chem., 23(2), 117–121, 1980;Barnish, I. T. et. al GB 1464259, abandoned; Supuran, C, T. Met.-BasedDrugs 2(6), 331–336, 1995—Co(II), Cu (II), Zn(II) complexes of compound1). Barnish et al. demonstrated that certain compounds reduced thenumber and intensity of electroshock induced seizures in rats. Thisanti-seizure activity was linked to increased cerebral blood flow,attributed to the ability of these compounds to inhibit CA. No directevidence of neuronal protection as a result of these compounds has beenpreviously demonstrated in vitro or in vivo (ie. histology, neuronalcell count, etc.).

We have found that various aryl sulfonamide CA inhibitors do not protectSCG neurons from apoptosis. These finding indicate that theneuroprotection mediated by compounds represented by Formula I isindependent of their CA activity. Additionally, we have prepared severalsynthetic derivatives of represented by Formula I which display reducedCA inhibition inhibit CA, while retaining their neuroprotectivecapabilities.

The invention relates to synthetic routes for preparation of compoundsrepresented by Formula I, and methods for the functionalization ofcompounds represented by Formula I.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the protection of SCG neurons from Taxol™ inducedkilling provided by Compound 1 (AEG 3482).

FIG. 2 illustrates the protection of cortical motor neurons frommalonate killing in the presence of compound 91. 350 uM slices of P1 ratmotor cortex were treated with malonate and incubated in media for 14days, before malonate and drug were added. Part (a) shows control motorneurons, and illustrates large diamond-shaped neurons; part (b) showsmalonate treatment alone, which results in killing with a complete lossof neurons; and part (c) shows 90% rescue of cortical motor neurons inthe presence of compound 91 (1 uM) and malonate.

FIG. 3 illustrates the co-treatment of H460 and OV2008 cancer cell linewith Taxol™ and Compound 1. H460 and OV2008 cells were treated withTaxol™ and/or Taxol™+ compound 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates weight loss induced by Taxol™ in Spraugue Dawley ratstreated with 50% HPDC vehicle (veh/veh), compound 1 dissolved in 50%HPDC at 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg (veh/1, veh/l5, veh/l 10, respectively), orTaxol™ (9 mg/kg)=compound 1 dissolved in 50% HPDC at 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg(Tax/1, Tax/5, Tax/10) according to the dosing regime described inExample 160.

FIG. 5 illustrates that gait disturbance in rats induced by Taxol™ wasreduced with compound 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates that compound 1 caused a reversal in H/M wavedisturbance induced by Taxol™, as indicated by H-reflex amplitude.

FIG. 7 illustrates sciatic nerve recovery after crush injury, asmeasured by inner toe spread in male Spraugue Dawley rats treated witheither vehicle control; compound 1 or compound 76.

FIG. 8 illustrates the effect of intravitreal compound 1, followed bysubsequent daily injections on protection of RGs after ocular stroke.Compound 1, given post stroke, protects the RG population allowing fornormal conductance.

FIG. 9 illustrate the neuroprotection of cortical neurons provided byCompound 76 from amyloid beta 25–35 toxicity. Top (a) shows controluntreated cultures display low level annexin V staining; middle (b)shows 48 hour treatment with amyloid beta peptide results in theappearance of apoptotic cells; and bottom (c) illustrates co-treatmentwith 10 uM Compound 76 prevents the occurrence of annex in V stainedcells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The compounds represented by Formula (I) may be referred to hereininterchangeably as as Compound (I). Compounds referred to herein bynumber (such as compound 1 or compound 76) refer to the compoundsoutlined as Examples 1 to 153.

In the definitions of the groups of Formula I, lower alkyl means astraight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, suchas methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl,tert-butyl, pentyl, iso-amyl, neopentyl, 1-ethylpropyl, hexyl, andoctyl. The lower alkyl moiety of lower alkoxy, lower alkylsulfonyl,lower alkoxylcarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonyl has the same meaning aslower alkyl defined above. The acyl moiety of the acyl and the acyloxygroup means a straight-chain or branched alkanoyl group having 1 to 6carbon atoms, such as formyl, acetyl, propanoyl, butyryl, valeryl,pivaloyl and hexanoyl, and arylcarbonyl group described below, or aheteroarylcarbonyl group described below. The aryl moiety of the aryl,the arylcarbonyl and arylaminocarbonyl groups means a group having 6 to16 carbon atoms such as phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, or pyrenyl. Theheteroaryl moiety of the heteroaryl and the heteroarylcarbonyl groupscontain at least one hetero atom from O, N, and S, such as pyridyl,pyrimidyl, pyrroleyl, furyl, benzofuryl, thienyl, benzothienyl,imidazolyl, triazolyl, quinolyl, iso-quinolyl, benzoimidazolyl,thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, oxazolyl, and indolyl. The aralkyl moiety ofthe aralkyl and the aralkyloxy groups having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, suchas benzyl, phenethyl, benzhydryl, and naphthylmethyl. The heteroaralkylmoiety of the heteroaralkyl and the heteroaralkyloxy groups having 7 to15 carbon such as pyridylmethyl, quinolinylmethyl, andiso-quinolinylmethyl. The substituted lower alkyl group has 1 to 3independently-substitutuents, such as hydroxyl, lower alkyloxy,carboxyl, lower alkylcarbonyl, nitro, amino, mono- or di-loweralkylamino, dioxolane, dioxane, dithiolane, and dithione. The loweralkyl moiety of the substituted lower alkyl, and the lower alkyl moeityof the lower alkoxy, the lower alkoxycarbonyl, and the mono- anddi-lower alkylamino in the substituents of the substituted lower alkylgroup have the same meaning as lower alkyl defined above. Thesubstituted aryl, the substituted heteroaryl, the substituted aralkyl,and the substituted heteroaralkyl groups each has 1 to 5independently-selected substituents, such as lower alkyl, hydroxy, loweralkoxy, carboxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, amino, mono or di-loweralkylamino, azido, and halogen. The lower alkyl moiety of the loweralkyl, the lower alkoxy, the lower alkylamino, and the mono- anddi-lower alkylamino groups amoung the susbtituents has the same meaningas lower alkyl defined above. The heterocyclic group formed with anitrogen atom includes rings such as pyrrolyl, piperidinyl, piperidino,morpholinyl, morpholino, thiomorpholino, N-methylpiperazinyl, indolyl,and isoindolyl. The cycloalkyl moeity means a cycloalkyl group of theindicated number of carbon atoms, containing one or more rings anywherein the structure, such as cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl,cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 2-norbornyl,1-adamantyl and the like. The fluoroalkyl moiety means a lowerfluoroalkyl group in which one or more hydrogens of the correspondinglower alkyl group, as defined above, is replaced by a fluorine atom,such as CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CF₃, and CH₂CH₂CF₃.

Some of the compounds described herein contain one or more chiralcentres and may thus give rise to diastereomers and optical isomers. Thepresent invention is meant to comprehend such possible diastereomers aswell as their racemic, resolved and enantiomerically pure forms, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The term “subject” or “patient” as used herein may refer to mammalsincluding humans, primates, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, catsand rodents.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are administered tosubjects in effective amounts. An effective amount means that amountnecessary to delay the onset of, inhibit the progression of, haltaltogether the onset or progression of or diagnose the particularcondition or symptoms of the particular condition being treated. Ingeneral, an effective amount for treating a neurological disorder isthat amount necessary to affect any symptom or indicator of thecondition In general, an effective amount for treating neuropathies andneuropathic pain will be that amount necessary to favorably affectmammalian cancer cell proliferation in situ. When administered to asubject, effective amounts will depend, of course, on the particularcondition being treated; the severity of the condition; individualpatient parameters including age, physical condition, size and weight;concurrent treatment; frequency of treatment; and the mode ofadministration. These factors are well known to those of ordinary skillin the art and can be addressed with no more than routineexperimentation. It is preferred generally that a maximum dose be used,that is, the highest safe dose according to sound medical judgment.

A variety of administration routes are available. The particular modeselected will depend, of course, upon the particular condition beingtreated, the particular drug selected, the severity of the conditionbeing treated and the dosage required for therapeutic efficacy. Themethods of this invention, generally speaking, may be practiced usingany mode of administration that is medically acceptable, meaning anymode that produces effective levels of the active compounds withoutcausing clinically unacceptable adverse effects. Such modes ofadministration include oral, rectal, sublingual, topical, nasal,transdermal, intradermal or parenteral routes. The term “parenteral”includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, or infusion. Oralroutes are preferred.

Dosage may be adjusted appropriately to achieve desired drug levels,locally or systemically. Generally, daily oral doses of active compoundswill be from about 0.01 mg/kg per day to 1000 mg/kg per day. It isexpected that IV doses in the range of about 1 to 1000 mg/m2 per daywill be effective. In the event that the response in a subject isinsufficient at such doses, even higher doses (or effective higher dosesby a different, more localized delivery route) may be employed to theextent that patient tolerance permits.

The compositions may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form andmay be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy.All methods include the step of bringing the conjugates of the inventioninto association with a carrier that constitutes one or more accessoryingredients. In general, the compositions are prepared by uniformly andintimately bringing the compounds into association with a liquidcarrier, a finely divided solid carrier, or both, and then, ifnecessary, shaping the product.

Compositions suitable for oral administration may be presented asdiscrete units such as capsules, cachets, tablets, or lozenges, eachcontaining a predetermined amount of the active compound. Othercompositions include suspensions in aqueous liquors or non-aqueousliquids such as a syrup, an elixir, or an emulsion.

Other delivery systems can include time-release, delayed release orsustained release delivery systems. Such systems can avoid repeatedadministrations of the active compounds of the invention, increasingconvenience to the subject and the physician. Many types of releasedelivery systems are available and known to those of ordinary skill inthe art. They include polymer based systems such as polylactic andpolyglycolic acid, polyanhydrides and polycaprolactone; nonpolymersystems that are lipids including sterols such as cholesterol,cholesterol esters and fatty acids or neutral fats such as mono-, di andtriglycerides; hydrogel release systems; silastic systems; peptide basedsystems; wax coatings, compressed tablets using conventional binders andexcipients, partially fused implants and the like. In addition, apump-based hardware delivery system can be used, some of which areadapted for implantation.

A long-term sustained release implant also may be used. “Long-term”release, as used herein, means that the implant is constructed andarranged to deliver therapeutic levels of the active ingredient for atleast 30 days, and preferably 60 days. Long-term sustained releaseimplants are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art andinclude some of the release systems described above. Such implants canbe particularly useful in treating solid tumors by placing the implantnear or directly within the tumor, thereby affecting localized,high-doses of the compounds of the invention.

When administered, the Formulations of the invention are applied inpharmaceutically acceptable compositions. Such preparations mayroutinely contain salts, buffering agents, preservatives, compatiblecarriers, and optionally other therapeutic ingredients. When used inmedicine the salts should be pharmaceutically acceptable, butnon-pharmaceutically acceptable salts may conveniently be used toprepare pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and are not excludedfrom the scope of the invention. Such salts include, but are not limitedto, those prepared from the following acids: hydrochloric, hydrobromic,sulphuric, nitric, phosphoric, maleic, acetic, salicylic,p-toluenesulfonic, tartaric, citric, methane sulfonic, formic, malonic,succinic, naphthalene-2-sulfonic, benzene sulfonic, and the like. Also,pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared as alkaline metal oralkaline earth salts, such as sodium, potassium or calcium salts.

Suitable buffering agents include: phosphate buffers, acetic acid and asalt (1–2% W/V); citric acid and a salt (1–3% W/V); and phosphoric acidand a salt (0.8–2% W/V), as well as others known in the art.

Suitable preservatives include benzalkonium chloride (0.003–0.03% W/V);chlorobutanol (0.3–0.9% W/V); parabens (0.01–0.25% W/V) and thimerosal(0.004–0.02% W/V), as well as others known in the art.

Suitable carriers are pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The termpharmaceutically acceptable carrier means one or more compatible solidor liquid filler, dilutants or encapsulating substances that aresuitable for administration to a human or other animal. The term“carrier” denotes an organic or inorganic ingredient, natural orsynthetic, with which the active ingredient is combined to facilitatethe application. The components of the pharmaceutical compositions arecapable of being commingled with the molecules of the present invention,and with each other, in a manner such that there is no interaction whichwould substantially impair the desired pharmaceutical efficacy. CarrierFormulations suitable for oral, subcutaneous, intravenous, andintramuscular administration etc., are those which are known in the art.

The compounds of the invention may be delivered with other therapeuticagents. The invention additionally includes co-administration ofcompound I of the invention with other compounds known to be useful intreating neurodegenerative diseases, typified by but not limited to,acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating AD, such as tacrine,doneprizil, and rivastigmin, and L-dopa for treating PD, and ACEinhibitors and insulin for the treatment of diabetes.

In the case of peripheral neuropathy induced by a toxic agent, compoundI would be delivered separately before, simultaneously with (ie. in theform of anti-cancer coctails, see below), or after exposure to the toxicagent. Preferably, compound I and the chemotherapeutic agent are eachadministered at effective time intervals, during an overlapping periodof treatment in order to prevent or restore at least a portion of theneurological function destroyed by the neurotoxic or chemotherapeuticagent. The chemotherapeutic can be any chemotherapeutic agent thatcauses neurotoxicity, such as dideoxyinosine, deoxy cytizine, D4T,cisplatin, etoposide, vincristine, epithilone or its derivatives, orTaxol™/Taxoter™ and derivatives thereof, which are representative of theclasses of agents induce neuropathies.

By “toxic agent” or “neurotixic agent” is meant a substance that throughits chemical action injures, impairs, or inhibits the activity of acomponent of the nervous system. The list of neurotoxic agents thatcause neuropathies is lengthy (see a list of candidate agents providedin Table 1). Such neurotoxic agents include, but are not limited to,neoplastic agents such as vincristine, vinblastine, cisplatin, Taxol™,or dideoxy-compounds, eg., dideoxyinosine; alcohol; metals; industrialtoxins involved in occupational or environmental exposure; contaminantsin food or medicinals; or over-doses of vitamines or therapeutic drugs,eg. Antibiotics such as penicillin or chloramphenicol, or mega-doses ofvitamins A, D, or B6.

TABLE 1 Neurotoxic Agents AGENT ACTIVITY acetazolimide diureticacrylamide flocculant, grouting agent adriamycin antineoplastic alcohol(ie. ethanol) solvent, recreational drug almitine respiratory stimulantamiodarone antiarrthymic amphotericin antimicrobial arsenic herbicide,insecticide aurothioglucose antirheumatic barbiturates anticonvulsive,sedative buckthorn toxic berry carbamates insecticide carbon disulfideindustrial applications chloramphenicol antibacterial chloroquineantimalarial chlorestyramine antihyperlipoproteinemic cisplatinantineoplastic clioquinol amebicide, antibacterial colestipolantihyperlipoproteinemic colchicine gout suppressant colistinantimicrobial cycloserine antibacterial cytarabine antineoplasticdapsone dermatological including leprosy dideoxycytidine anatineoplasticdideoxyinosine antineoplastic dideoxythymidine antiviral disulfiramantialcohol doxorubicin antineoplastic ethambutol antibacterialethionamide antibacterial glutethimide sedative, hypnotic goldantirheumatic hexacarbons solvents hormonal contraceptiveshexamethylolmelamine fireprooing, crease proofing hydralazineantihypertensive hydroxychloroquine antirheumatic imipramineantidepressant indomethacin anti-inflammatory inorganic lead toxic metalin paint, etc. iso-niazid antituberculousis lithium antidepressantmethylmercury industrial waste metformin antidiabetic methylhydrazinesynthetic intermediate metronidazole antiprotozoal misonidazoleradiosensitizer nitrofurantoin urinary antiseptic nitrogen mustardantineoplastic, nerve gas nitous oxide anesthetic organophosphatesinsecticides ospolot anticonvulsant penicillin antibacterial perhexilineantiarrhythmic perhexiline maleate antiarrythmic phenytoinanticonvulsant platnim drug component primidone anticonvulsantprocarbazine antineoplastic pyridoxine vitamin B6 sodium cyanateantisickling streptomycin antimicrobial sulphonamides antimicrobialsuramin anteneoplastic tamoxifen antineoplastic Taxol ™ antineoplasticthalidomide antileprous thallium rat poison triamterene diuretictrimethyltin toxic metal L-trypophan health food additive vincristineantineoplastic vinblastine antineoplastic vindesine antineoplasticvitamine A or D mega doses

Several neurotoxic agents and protocols may be used to induce apoptosisin SCG neurons. Several of these insults include the withdrawal oftrophic support (for example NGF), treatment with neurotoxicchemotherapeutics such as Taxol™, cisplatin, vincristine, orvinblastine, and treatment with neurotoxic anti-virals such as D4T.Selected compounds represented by Formula I have been found to inhibitapoptosis induced by the above insults.

Neurotrophins are critical to the growth, development, and survival ofsmall fiber neurons of the PNS. SCG neurons are neurons of the PNS thatundergo apoptosis upon NGF withdrawal. In a typical experiment SCGneurons are cultured in the presence of NGF, which induces survival andneurite out-growth. After 5 days the NGF is removed by either theaddition of anti-NGF polyclonal antibody (Sigma) or by repeated washings(4 times) with NGF free media, resulting in the apoptosis of up to 90%of the neurons after 48 hours, as measured by MTS staining. The additionof selected compounds of Formula I to the final cellular media providesupwards of 100% protection, at drug concentrations ranging from 3 to 50μM (see Example 154).

Taxol™ is regularly used in breast cancer chemotherapy. In cancer cellsTaxol™ binds to the cyto-skeletal protein tubulin, thereby inhibitingnormal microtubular assembly and inducing cellular apoptosis. Despiteits potency as an anti-tumour agent, Taxol™ is also toxic to neurons,inducing dose limiting peripheral neuropathies. The addition of Taxol™(100 ng/mL) to cultured SCG neurons induces the degradation or loss ofupwards of 80% of the neurons. The addition of selected compounds ofFormula I to the cellular media, concurrently with Taxol™, protectsupwards of 100% of the neurons, at drug concentrations ranging from 3 to50 μM (see Example 155 and FIG. 1).

The mechanism of Cisplatin's anti-cancer action is not fully understood,but is believed to involve DNA binding and cleavage. Cisplatin is highlytoxic to neurons. The addition of cisplatin (3 μg/mL) to cultured SCGneurons induces apoptosis of upwards of 80% of the neurons. The additionof selected compounds of Formula I to the cellular media, concurrentlywith cisplatin, protects upwards of 100% of the neurons, at drugconcentrations ranging from 1 to 50 μM (see Example 156).

Similarly, vincristine and vinblastine are commonly used anti-tumouragents whose mode of action involve tubulin binding. As above, theaddition of vincristine (100 ng/mL) to cultured SCG neurons inducesapoptosis of upwards of 80% of the neurons. The addition of selectedcompounds of Formula I to the cellular media, concurrently withvincristine, protects upwards of 100% of the neurons, at drugconcentrations ranging from 1 to 50 μM (see Example 157).

Various neurodegenerative diseases are related to the cellular orfunctional loss of motor neurons of the CNS and PNS. ALS is acharacterized by motor neuron loss as a result of mitochondrialdysfunction, which can be mimicked in culture by the addition ofmalonate to organotypic brain slices. P1 rat motor cortex brain sliceswere cultured for 2 weeks prior to drug and malonate addition. After anadditional two weeks the slices were fixed and stained with SMI-32antibody which selectively stains motor neurons found in layer V of thecortex. Compound 91 protected upwards of 80% of these labeled motorneurons at a drug concentration of 1 μM (Example 158).

Taken together, compound of Formula I display remarkable neuroprotectivecapabilities, against a wide range of insults in both the CNS and thePNS. One of the intended uses of these agent is in the conjugation withchemotherapeutic agents. If compounds represented by Formula I were toprotect cancer cells from the same chemotherapeutic agents, it wouldhave limited value. Two pieces of evidence suggest these compounds donot protect cancer cells from chemotherapeutics. Selected compoundsrepresented by Formula I have previously been shown to beanit-proliferative (Gadad, A. K. India. Arzneim.-Forsch., 49(10),858–863, 1999), suggesting these compounds will be beneficial when usedin conjunction with other chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, we haveshown that compound 1 displays no protection when human ovariancarcinoma cells (OV2008) and human lung carcinoma cells (H460) weretreated with Taxol™ and/or cisplatin (see Example 159 and FIG. 3).

Compound 1 and several of its derivatives have been reported to bepotent inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase (CA) (Barnish, I. T., et. al. J.Med. Chem., 23(2), 117–121, 1980). CA plays an important role inmaintaining both intra- and extra-cellular pH levels. In an effort todetermine whether the neuroprotective profile of compound 1 was due toCA inhibition, a number of well-known, cell permeable, aryl sulfonamideCA inhibitors were evaluated against the Taxol™ killing of SCGs.Dorzolamide, (Ponticello, G. S., et. al J. Med Chem., 1987, 30, 591)aminobenzolamide N-acetylaminobenzolamide, acetazolamide, andmethazolamide (see Marten, T. H. J. Glaucoma, 1995, 4, 49) all failed tosignificantly inhibit Taxol™ induced killing of SCGs at concentrationsas high as 50 μM. Additionally, the ability of compounds represented byFormula I to inhibit CAII varied greatly depending upon the substitutionpatterns found on the sulfonamide or the C6 position (see Example 163).For example, compound 137 is the N-methyl derivative of compound 1,compound 137, displays a 100 fold decrease in CAII activity (CAII(50)2.06 μM and 250 nM, respectively) while retaining a similar IC(50)against Taxol (7 μM each). Similarly, compound 77 is a poor CAIIinhibitor (IC(50) 6.3 μM), but displays a more potent against Taxolkilling of SCGs (IC (50) 2 μM). Based on these results it is clear thatalthough compounds of Formula I are known CA inhibitors, the primarymechanism by which it is protecting neurons appears to be independent ofCA inhibition.

Adenovirus overexpression of Erk1 and Erk2, two members of the MAPkinase family of signaling proteins, have been shown to stimulateneuronal out-growth and the formation of new synaptic connections inprimary neurons of the PNS and CNS. Additionally, the Erks protectcultured neurons from a number of insults including neurotrophinwithdrawal (Bonni, A., et al., Science, 1999, 286, 1358–1362). Adramatic increase in Erk activity was observed in both PC12 cells and inprimary cultures of sympathetic neurons when treated with compound 1.The activity of Akt, however, remained unchanged when both PC12 cellsand SCGs were treated with compound 1. Akt is activated by NGF and hasbeen demonstrated to be neuroprotective in both PNS and CNS neurons.Compound 1, therefore, protects neurons by activating a subset ofNGF-stimulated signaling pathways.

Taxol™ commonly causes dose dependent peripheral neuropathies duringcancer treatment. When treated with Taxol™ (9 mg/kg in Cremophor EL andethanol) twice weekly for 3 weeks, Sprague Dawley rats displayed acutesymptoms of chemotoxicity, characterized by reduced appetite, weightloss, gait disturbance (a general marker of Taxol™ induced peripheralneuropathy), and general poor health (see Example 160). For example,over a thirteen day period control animals gained an average of 50 g,whereas the Taxol™ treated animals displayed no weight gain (see FIG.4). All of the Taxol™ treated animals developed peripheral neuropathies,characterized by ‘tip toe walking’. The extent of this neuropathy wasanalyzed by quantifying the refracted light captured by a video cameraas the animals walked over a glass plate. This data was analyzed byNorthern Eclipse software. The Taxol™ treated animals displayed a 46%reduction in foot-pad contact with the glass plate, as compared tocontrol animals (see Example 160).

When compound 1 (5 mg/kg) was given with Taxol™ (9 mg/kg) on a bi-weeklyschedule, the animals displayed greatly improved health. This wascharacterized by normal weight gain, as compared to control (FIG. 4),and a reduction in the severity of the peripheral neuropathies; a 23%loss in foot pad contact was observed, as compared to a 46% loss in theanimals treated with Taxol™ alone (see Example 160 and FIGS. 5 and 6).No acute signs of toxicity were observed in animals in acute toxicitystudies with compound 1 alone (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg for 3 weeks).

The sciatic nerve crush model is a representative model of axonal repairand regeneration. The sciatic nerve is physically crushed with forcepsat the mid-thigh; only the right leg is injured, the left leg serving asa control. The axons die from the crush point to their point ofinnervation. Functional loss of the axons is rapidly observed as theanimals drag their right leg and the toes of the right leg no longerspread. Recovery is observed in approximately 28 days as the animalsregain use of their right leg. More quantitative measurements ofrecovery include toe spread measurements between the digits 1 and 5 anddigits 2 and 4, gait analysis and electrical conductivity from the toesto the injury site (see Example 161).

Rats were subjected to the crush injury and treated with either vehiclecontrol or compounds 1,76 or 111 (1 and 10 mg/kg). Functional recoverywas measured as above and improved recovery was observed when theanimals were treated with compound. For example, increase toe spread wasobserved for those animal treated with compound (see FIG. 7).

Various diseases which result in loss of vision are related to increasedinter-ocular pressure and ocular stroke or ischemia. Loss of the retinalganglion (RG) occur during ischemic insult and in diseases such asdiabetes and glaucoma. A model of inter-ocular ischemia involves aninvasive increase in ocular pressure which results in the collapse ofthe central retinal artery. Retinal isehemia is confirmed by whiteningof the iris and loss of red reflex. The inter-ocular pressure isnormalized after 30 minutes. This procedure is performed on the righteye and the left eye serves as a control. Compound was given either byintra-vitrial injection or via SC injections at 10 mg/kg (see Example162).

The health of the RG neurons was assessed by means of histologicalstaining of retinal slices and electro-retinogram (ERG) recordings.Histology of the control animals showed almost complete loss of the RGlayer, where as animals treated with compound 1 showed healthy RGlayers. Similarly, significant improvements were observed in the ERG forthose animals treated with compound verses vehicle control animals (seeFIG. 8). This protection was observed for both the animals whichreceived intra-vitrial injections and those that were treatedsystemically (SC).

Alzheimer's disease is one of the biggest unmet medical needs inneurology. One of the main areas of AD research has been deposition andneurotoxicity of amyloid beta peptide fragments. Amyloid peptides arepotently toxic to cortical neurons and protection of the corticalneurons would be a very desirable therapeutic target. We establish mixedneuronal/glial cortical cultures from postnatal rat pups. Amyloid betapeptides are potently toxic to neurons in these cultures. Exposure to 10uM 25–35 amyloid beta increased the number of apoptotic cells comparedto control. Compound 76 prevented the appearance of annexinV positivecells indicating that it protected in vitro against the amyloid betapeptide.

For any of the compounds having the structure of Formula I which bearsimilarity to those known in the art, the use of these compounds fortreatment and/or prevention of neurological disorders, cancer,inflammation, or symptoms related thereto are encompassed by theinvention.

Examples of Formula I are provided below in Table 2. These compounds arereferred to throughout the disclosure as their corresponding examplenumber.

TABLE 2 Compounds Example STRUCTURE 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

143

144

145

146

147

148

149

150

151

152

Synthetic Procedures

5-Amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sullonamlue, intermediate E1, was preparedby the acid hydrolysis of acetazolamide (Aldrich). Selected2-bromoethanones were purchased from either Aldrich Chemical Co. or fromMaybridge Inc.

Various acetophenones were readily prepared by the following protocols.A selection of 4-phenoxyacetophenones were prepared under standardUllmann condensation conditions by heating 4-fluoroacetophenone with theappropriate phenol and K₂CO₃ in DMF or DMAc.

Selected 4′-arylacetophenones were prepared by Suzuki coupling of either3′- or 4′-haloacetophenone with an arylboronic acid, or4-acetylbenzeneboronic acid with an arylbromide, using an appropriatepalladium catalyst, base, and solvent system. These products may beobtained using alternative coupling partners; ie. Suzuki couplingbetween aryl bromides and aetophenone boronic acids, the use offlouroboranate salts, the use of Stille couplings between aryl bromidesand arylstannanes, etc.

Various acetophenones were α-brominated using bromine or pyridiniumtribromide in an appropriate solvent system.

The imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole sulfonamides were preparedaccording to literature procedures. For example, compound 1 was preparedin good yield by refluxing intermediate A1, with an 2-bromoacetophenone,intermediate B1, in either alcohol or 1,4-dioxane, for 48 hours.

Compound 1 was either mono- or dialkylated by the treatment of compound1 with the appropriate alcohol (1 or 2 equiv), triphenyphosphine, andDIAD or polymer supported DIAD to yield compounds such as 137 and 139.Alternatively, N-alkylation may be accomplished using Mel andNaF/alumina ( ) as base, for the conversion of 1 to 137.

Selective mono alklylation may be accomplished by alkylation of theN-acyl derivatives of 1, followed by alkylation using Mitsunobuconditions, as above, followed by de-acylation with PrNH₂, to providethe mono N-methyl derivative 137. This last series of reactions alsoworks with solid supported chemistry.

Compound 1 was readily functionalized at the imidazole methine positionby treatment with NaOCl or Br₂, to provide compounds 123 and 124,respectively.

Demethylation of intermediate D with BBr₃ provides the phenolic compound145. Acylation of compound 145 with benzoyl chloride provides compound146.

In several cases the requisite 2-bromoacetophenones were commerciallyavailable. In other cases they were prepared by the treatment of anappropriately substituted acetophenone with bromine, in an appropriatesolvent, as exemplified below. Acylation of 4-aminoacetophenone wasfollowed by bromination in MeOH to provide intermediate A69.Condensation of intermediate A69 with intermediate E1, yielded thedesired compound 69.

Treatment of compound 69 with methanolic HCl provided compound 70.

Several α-bromoketones were prepared by bromination of the appropriateenol silyl ether. Therefore, deprotonation of either4′-piperidenylaceophenone (A67) or 4′-morpholinoacetophenone (A68) withLiHMDS, silation with TMSCl, and quenching with N-bromosuccinamide,yielding the desired α-bromoketone intermediates B67 and B68,respectively, as shown below.

Condensation of B67 and B68 with E1, provided compounds 67 and 68,respectively.

Treatment of selected aryl ketones with bromine or pyridinium perbromidealso provided the desired 2-bromoacetophenones, which were againcondensed with 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide to provide thedesired 6-aryl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamides, as shownbelow for compound 58.

Compound 151 was prepared using the following strategy.2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-Pentafluoroacetophenone, A6 was treated with sodiumazide, followed by bromide, to provide2-bromo-4′-azido-2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluoroacetophenone, A151 (Keana, J. F.W.; Cai, S. X. J. Org. Chem., 1990, 55, 3640).

Condensation of A151 with E1 to provided compound 151.

Selected Compound Synthesis

General Preparative Methods

Commercially available acetophenones, 2-haloacetophenones (IntermediatesA and B, respectively), phenols (Intermediate C), and benzeneboronicacids (Intermediate D) were purchased from either Aldrich ChemicalCompany, Lancaster, Maybridge mc, or FisherScientific. The remainder ofstarting materials were obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company.5-Amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide, intermediate E1, was preparedby the acid hydrolysis of acetazolamide (Aldrich).

Method A: Bromination of Acetophenones with Bromine

The appropriate acetophenone (Intermediate A) was dissolved in diethylether, methylene chloride, or chloroform, and cooled to 0° C. Bromine(1.1 equiv) was dissolved in either methylenechloride or diethyl etherand added to the solution of acetophenone via a dropping funnel. Afterthe addition of bromine was complete 2 drops of acetic acid were addedand the solution was warmed to room temperature. Solvent was removedunder reduced pressure to provide crude 2-bromoacetophenone(Intermediate B) which was generally used without further purification.

Method B: Bromination of Acetophenones with Pyridinium Tribromide

The appropriate acetophenone (Intermediate A) was dissolved in aceticacid and treated with pyridinium tribromide (1.1 equiv). The solutionwas stirred until all solid had reacted, the solvent was removed underreduced pressure and the residue was extracted with an appropriatesolvent, washing with water. The organic layer was dried over anhydrousmagnesium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent removed under reducedpressure to provide the title compounds, which was generally usedwithout further purification.

Method C: Condensation of 2-bromoacetophenone with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide

The appropriate 2-rromoacetophenone and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (1.0 equiv) were refluxed in1,4-dioxane or an appropriate alcohol for 12–60 hrs. The resultingsolution was cooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collectedby filtration to provide the title compound as crystalline solid. If nosolid was observed the solvent was removed under reduced pressure andthe title compounds were purified by silica gel chromatography,trituration, or recrystallization from an appropriate solvent.

EXAMPLE 1 6-Phenylimidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromoacetophenone (4.00 g, 20.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (3.60 g, 20.0 mmol) wererefluxed in ethanol (150 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 1 as a white crystalline solid (2.50 g, 44%). ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.89 (s, 1H), 8.72 (br s, 2H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.43(t, 2H), 7.32 (t, 1H).

EXAMPLE 26-(2-Fluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 2 was prepared by the bromination of 2′-fluoroacetophenone withbromine, according to Method A, followed by condensation with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride, according toMethod C, to provide a white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.75 (brs, 2H), 8.6 (d, 1H, j=3.6 Hz), 8.1 (m, 1H), 7.3 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 36-(3-Fluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 3 was prepared by the bromination of 3′-fluoroacetophenone withbromine, according to Method A, followed by condensation with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride, according toMethod C, to provide a white solid ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.95 (s,1H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 7.73 (m, 2H), 7.5 (m, 1H), 7.1 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 46-(4-Fluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-4′-fluoroacetophenone (1.08 g, 5.0 mmol)2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride (900 mg, 5.0 mmol)were refluxed in ethanol (25 mL) for 48 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound -4 as a white crystalline solid (17 mg). ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.87 (s, 1H), 8.74 (br s, 2H), 7.40 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m,2H).

EXAMPLE 56-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Chloro-3′,4′-difluoroacetophenone (190 mg, 1.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (150 mg, 1.0 mmol), and CETAB(437 mg, 1.20 mmol) were refluxed in dioxane (5 mL) for 48 hrs. Thesolvent was removed under reduced pressure and the resulting solid waspurified by silica gel chromatography, eluting with 1:1 hexane/ethylacetate, to provide compound 5 (173 mg, 57%) as a white crystallinesolid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, acetone-d⁶) δ 8.41 (d, 1H), 8.26 (m, 1H), 7.92(br s, 2H), 7.24–7.08 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 66-(2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(pentafluorophenyl)ethan-1-one (2.89 g, 10.0 mmol) and2-amino- 1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (1.80 g, 10.0 mmol) wererefluxed in ethanol (20 mL) for 60 hrs. Solvent was evaporated and thecrude solid was purified by flash chromatography using 20: 80: 0.1 ethylacetate: hexanes: acetic acid to provide compound 6 as white needles(125 mg, 3.4%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.78 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 76-(4-Ethylthio-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-Pentafluoroacetophenone (2.5 mmol) was heated withethanethiol (2.5 mmol) in THF (5 mL). Solvent was removed underreducedpressure to provide the desired compounds as a white solid. Pyridiniumtribromide (920 mg, 2.5 mmol)) was added and the mixture stirred for 16hours. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (450 mg, 2.5 mmol) was added andsolution was refluxed for 48 hours. The solution was cooled to roomtemperature and filtered to provide compound 7 as a white solid (173 mg,17%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.79 (br s, 2H), 3.00(quart, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 1.98 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 3H).

EXAMPLE 86-(4-Benzylthio-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 8 was prepared according to the procedure described forcompound 7, using benzylmercaptan in the place of ethanethiol, toprovide compound 8 as a white solid (204 mg, 16%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.83 (s, 1H), 8.79 (br s, 2H), 7.23 (s, 5H), 4.21 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 96-(4-Morpholino-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 6 (100 mg) was dissolved in 1 ml of DMSO and 1 ml of morpholinewas added, the solution was heated to 90° C. for 2 hrs. The solution wasallowed to cool down to room temperature and ethyl acetate was added.The solution was washed twice with water and once with brine. Theorganic layer was separated dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporatedunder reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gelchromatography using a 20% to 50% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient togive a white solid (30 mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.05 (s, 1H), 3.76(m, 4H), 3.27 (m 4H),

EXAMPLE 106-(4-Chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 10 was obtained from Talon.

EXAMPLE 116-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-3′,4′-dichloroacetophenone (267 mg, 1.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride (180 mg, 1.00mmol) were refluxed in ethanol (20 mL) for 48 hrs. The resultingsolution was cooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collectedby filtration to provide compound 11 as a white crystalline solid (91mg, 26%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.01 (s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 2H), 8.13(d, 1H), 7.89 (dd, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 126-(2,3,4-trichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 12 was prepared by bromination of2′,3′,4′-trichloroacetophenone with bromine according to Method A, andcondensation of the corresponding 2-bromoacetophenone with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide, according to Method C, to yieldcompound 12 as a white solid (22% yield). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ9.00 (s, 1H), 8.74 (br s, 2H), 8.07 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J=8.5Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 136-(3-bromophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 13 was prepared by bromination of 3′-bromoacetophenone withbromine according to Method A, and condensation of the corresponding2-bromoacetophenone with 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide,according to Method C, to yield compound 13 as a white solid. ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.94 (d, J=1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.74 (br s, 2H), 8.08 (d,J=1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (dd, J=1.4, 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H),7.38(t, J=8.6 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 146-(4-Bromophenyl)-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-4′-bromoacetophenone (2.78 g, 10.0 mmol) and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (1.80 g, 12.0 mmol) were refluxed in1,4-dioxane (25 mL) for 16 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 14 as a white crystalline solid (3.60 g). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.92 (s, 1H), 8.75 (br s, 2H), 7.85 (d, 2H), 7.62 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 156-(2-Methoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-2′-methoxyacetophenone (916 mg, 4.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (720 mg, 4.0 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (20 mL) for 48 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 15 as a white crystalline solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ9.68 (br s, 1H), 8.78 (br s, 2H), 8.12 (d, 1H), 7.34 (t, 1H), 7.11 (d,1H), 7.05 (t, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 166-(3-Methoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-3′-methoxyacetophenone (1.00 g, 4.37 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (786 mg, 4.37 mmol) wererefluxed in 1,4-dioxane (25 mL) for 48 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 16 as a white crystalline solid (375 mg, 28%).

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.89 (s, 1H), 8.73 (br s, 2H), 7.46 (s, 2H),7.33 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR(50 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 164.3, 159.8, 146.7, 145.2, 134.8, 130.0, 117.4,113.7, 111.4, 110.3, 55.1.

EXAMPLE 176-(4-Methoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-4′-methoxyacetophenone (2.29 g, 10.0 mmol) and 2-amino-l,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (1.80 g, 12.0 mmol) were refluxed in1,4-dioxane (25 mL) for 24 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 17 as a white crystalline solid (2.65 g, 86%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.83 (s, 1H), 8.00 (d, 2H), 7.13 (d, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 186-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-2′,5′-dimethoxyacetophenone (261 mg, 1.00 mmol) and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (180 mg, 1.20 mmol) were refluxed in1,4-dioxane (7 mL) for 48 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 18 as a white crystalline solid (15.5 mg, 5%). ₁H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.72 (br s, 2H), 8.60 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 7.04 (d, 1H),6.87 (dd, 1H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.74 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 196-(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-2′,4′-dimethoxyacetophenone (259 mg, 1 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (180 mg, 1 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol for 5 days. After cooling the resulting precipitate wasfiltered and washed with methanol, providing 19 (56 mg) as a beigepowder. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.69 (br s, 2H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.06(d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.66 (s, 1H), 6.62 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H),3.80 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 206-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-bromoethan-1-one (100 mg, 0.41 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (74 mg, 0.41 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (5 mL) for 30 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 20 as a pale yellow powder (40 mg, 44%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.75 (s, 1H), 8.69 (s, 2H), 7.43 (m, 2H), 6.97 (d, J=8.6 Hz,1H), 6.04 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 216-(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodioxepin-7-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodioxepin-7-yl)ethan-1-one (542 mg, 2mmol) and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (360 mg, 2 mmol) wererefluxed in ethanol (10 ml) for 60 hours. The resulting mixture wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate collected by suctionfiltration, giving 21 (310 mg) as a yellow powder. ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.71 (br s, 2H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 4.2–4.0 (m, 4H), 2.10 (t, J=4.9 Hz,2H). ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 163.9, 151.4, 151.0, 146.2, 145.1,128.9, 122.0, 120.1, 118.2, 110.7, 70.6, 31.5.

EXAMPLE 226-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Chloro-3′,4′-dihydroxyacetophenone (186 mg, 1.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (150 mg, 1.0 mmol), and CETAB(10 mg) were refluxed in dioxane (5 mL) for 48 hrs. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure and the resulting solid was purified bysilica gel chromatography, eluting with 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate, toprovide compound 22 (11 mg, 4%) as a white crystalline solid. ¹H NMR(200 MHz, acetone-d⁶) δ 8.38 (s, 1H), 8.10 (br s, 2H), 7.84 (br s, 2H),7.44 (d, 1H), 7.39 (dd, 1H), 6.88 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 236-(2-spiro(cyclohexyl)benzo-1,3-dioxol-5-yl)imidazo[2,1,-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 23 was prepared by the bromination of6-(2-spiro(cyclohexyl)benzo-1,3-dioxol-5-yl)ethanone with bromine,according to Method A, followed by condensation with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride, according toMethod C, to provide a white solid.

EXAMPLE 246-(3-trifloromethoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 24 was prepared by bromination of3′-trifluoromethoxyacetophenone with bromine according to Method A, andcondensation of the corresponding 2-bromoacetophenone with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide, according to Method C, to yieldcompound 24 as a white solid (22% yield). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ9.01 (s, 1H), 8.74 (br s, 2H), 7.92 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H),7.57 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 256-(4-trifloromethoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 25 was prepared by bromination of4′-trifluoromethoxyacetophenone with bromine according to Method A, andcondensation of the corresponding 2-bromoacetophenone with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide, according to Method C, to yieldcompound 25 as a white solid (22% yield). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ8.93 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 2H), 8.00 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, J=8.4 Hz,2H).

EXAMPLE 26

Compound 26 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 31.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ=3.71 (t, 2H, J=4.6 Hz), 4.00 (t, 2H, J=4.9Hz), 6.99 (d, 2H, J=8.3 Hz), 7.81 (d, 2H, J=8.2 Hz), 8.67 (s, 2H), 8.73(s, 1H)

EXAMPLE 27

Step 1: Compound 26 (472 mg, 1.39 mmol), di-tert-butyldicarbonate (383μL, 1.67 mmol), triethylamine (194 μL, 1.39 mmol), DMAP (20 mg, 0.16mmol) were added to DMF (5 mL) and stirred at RT under N₂ for 45 min.The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the contentswashed with H₂O and EtOAc. The organic layer was collected, dried overMgSO₄. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.23 (s, 9H), 3.73 (t, 2H, J=5.4 Hz),4.00 (t, 2H, J=5.6 Hz), 7.02 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.82 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz),8.69 (s, 1H).

Step 2: The material from step 1 (627 mg, 1.39 mmol), acetic anhydride(158 μL, 1.67 mmol), triethlyamine (233 μL, 1.67 mmol), DMAP (21 mg,0.17 mmol) were added to DMF (5 mL) and stirred under N₂ for 3 h. Thevolatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the contents washedwith H₂O and EtOAc. The organic layer was collected, dried over MgSO₄.¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.20 (s, 9H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 4.09 (b, 2H), 4.40(b, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.62 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz).

Step 3: The material from Step 3 was dissolved in 10 mL TFA/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)and stirred for 30 min at RT. The volatiles were removed under reducedpressure and the contents washed with NaHCO₃ (aq) and EtOAc. The organiclayer was collected, dried over MgSO₄. The product was recrytallizedfrom ethanol. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 2.03 (s, 3H), 4.20 (b, 2H),4.31 (b, 2H), 7.02 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.82 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 8.69 (s,2H), 8.76 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 28

Step 1: 2-Bromoethanol, K₂CO₃ and 4-hydroxy acetophenone were refluxedtogether in MeOH. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and theresidue treated to standard ethyl acetate/water work-up to provide awhite semi-sold. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 2.55 (s, 3H), 3.65 (t, 2H,J=6.1 Hz), 4.35, t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 6.94 (d, 2H, J=9.5 Hz), 7.93 (d, 2H,J=8.8 Hz).

Step 2: The material from Step 1 (50 mg, 0.216 mmol), NaN₃ (20 mg, 0.307mmol) were dissolved in acetone (5 mL) and H₂O (0.5 mL) and heated toreflux with stirring for 16 h. Solvent was removed and the desiredcompounds was obtained in quantitative yield. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ2.55 (s, 3H), 3.63 (t, 2H, J=4.6 Hz), 4.21 (t, 2H, J=5.19 Hz), 6.95 (d,2H, J=8.85 Hz), 7.94 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz).

Step 3: The material from Step 2 was brominated according to Method Aand purified on silica gel (4:1, CH₂Cl₂:Hexanes) to give1-(4-(2-azidoethoxy)phenyl)-2-bromo ethanone. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ3.63 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 4.21 (t, 2H, J=5.2 Hz), 4.40 (s, 2H), 6.95 (d,2H, J=9.2 Hz), 7.94 (d, 2H, J=8.6 Hz).

Step 4: 1-(4-(2-azidoethoxy)phenyl)-2-bromo ethanone was condensed with1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide according to Method C yielding an offyellow solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 3.65 (t, 2H, J=4.0 Hz), 4.20(t, 2H, J=4.3 Hz), 7.02 (d, 2H, J=8.2 Hz), 7.83 (d, 2H, J=8.2 Hz), 8.71(s, 2H), 8.76 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 29

Step 1: 3-Bromo-1,1,1-trifluoropropane, K₂CO₃ and 4′-hyrdoxyacetophenonewere refluxed together in MeOH for 16 hours. Volatiles were removedunder reduced pressure and the residue subjected to standard ethylacetate/water work-up. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 2.48–2.70 (m, 5H), 4.19(t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 6.87 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.87 (d, 2H, 9.2 Hz).

Step 2: 4′-(3,3,3-trifluoropropoxy)acetophenone was brominated accordingto Method A. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 2.48–2.70 (m, 2H), 4.27 (t, 2H,J=6.4 Hz), 4.40 (2,2H) 6.96 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.98 (d, 2H, 9.2 Hz).

Step 3: 2-Bromo-4′-(3,3,3-trifluoropropoxy)acetophenone was condensedwith 5-Amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide according to Method C,yielding an off yellow solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 2.65–2.85 (m,2H), 4.23 (t, 2H, J=6.2 Hz), 7.02 (d, 2H, J=8.6 Hz), 7.83 (d, 2H, J=8.6Hz), 8.71 (s, 2H), 8.76 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 30

Step 1:1-Bromo-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethane, K₂CO₃ and4′-hyrdoxyacetophenone were refluxed together in MeOH for 16 hours.Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the residue subjectedto standard ethyl acetate/water work-up. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ2.55(s, 3H) 3.39 (s, 3H), 3.56 (t, 2H, J=4.0 Hz), 3.71 (t, 2H, J=4.6Hz), 3.88 (t, 2H, 4.3 Hz), 4.21 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 6.94 (d, 2H, J=8.8.Hz), 7.92 (d, 2H, J=8.2 Hz).

Step 2: The material from Step 1 was brominated according to Method A.¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 3.40 (s, 3H), 3.56 (t, 2H, J=4.0 Hz), 3.71 (t,2H, J=4.6 Hz), 3.88 (t, 2H, 4.3 Hz), 4.21 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 4.40 (s,2H), 6.94 (d, 2H, J=8.8. Hz), 7.92 (d, 2H, J=8.2 Hz).

Step 3: The Material from Step 2 was condensed with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide according to Method C to providea yellow solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 3.23 (s, 3H), 3.47 (b, 2H),3.57 (b, 2H), 3.73 (b, 2H), 4.11 (b, 2H), 7.00 (d, 2H, J=8.2 Hz), 7.81(d, 2H, J=8.6 Hz), 8.70 (s, 2H), 8.74 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 31

Step 1: 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (500 mg, 3.67 mmol), K₂CO₃ (510 mg, 3.69mmol) and benzyl-2-bromoethyl ether (580 μL, 3.67 mmol) were suspendedin ethanol (25 mL). The mixture was heated to reflux with stirring for21 h. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the contentswashed with H₂O and EtOAc. The organic layer was collected, dried overMgSO₄ and purified on silica gel (1:3 EtOAc/Hexanes) yielding4′-(2-Benzyloxyethoxy)acetophenone as a white crystalline solid (600 mg,61%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 2.55 (s, 3H), 3.85 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz),4.21 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 4.64 (s, 2H), 6.95 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz), 7.35 (b,5H), 7.93 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz).

Step 2: 4-(2-Benzyloxyethoxy)acetophenone (447 mg, 1.65 mmol) wasbrominated using Method A to yield a yellow oil (51% conversion). ¹H NMR(200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 3.85 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 4.21 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 4.64(s, 2H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 6.95 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz), 7.35 (b, 5H), 7.93 (d,2H, J=8.8 Hz).

Step 3:6-(4′-(2-Benzyloxyethoxy)phenyl)-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thidiazole-2sulfonamide The crude material from Step 2 (299 mg, 0.86 mmol) wascondensed with 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide using Method C in2-propanol, yielding a yellow solid (140 mg, 38%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 3.77 (b, 2H), 4.18 (b, 2H), 4.55 (s, 2H), 7.01 (d, 2H, J=8.5Hz), 7.33 (b, 5H) 7.81 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 8.69 (s, 2H), 8.74 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 32

Step1: 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (500 mg, 3.67 mmol), K₂CO₃ (510 mg, 3.69mmol) and benzyl-3-bromopropyl ether (547 μL, 3.67 mmol) were suspendedin ethanol (25 mL). The mixture was heated to reflux with stirring for21 h. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the contentswashed with H₂O and EtOAc. The organic layer was collected, dried overMgSO₄ and purified on silica gel (1:3 EtOAc/Hex) yielding4′-(2-Benzyloxyethoxy)acetophenone as a white crystalline solid (737 mg,71%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 2.08–2.14 (m, 2H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 3.67(t, 2H, J=6.1 Hz), 4.16 (t, 2H, J=6.1 Hz), 4.53 (s, 2H), 6.92 (d, 2H,J=8.5 Hz), 7.31 (s, 5H), 7.93 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz).

Step 2: 4′-(3-Benzyloxy)propoxyacetophenone (447 mg, 1.65 mmol) wasbrominated using Method A to provide a yellow oil (82% conversion). ¹HNMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 2.08–2.14 (m, 2H), 3.67 (t, 2H, J=6.1 Hz), 4.16(t, 2H, J=6.1 Hz), 4.40 (s, 2H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 6.92 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz),7.93 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz).

Step 3: The crude material from step 3 (671 mg, 1.85 mmol) was condensedwith 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide using Method C (2-propanol)provided a yellow solid (85 mg, 10%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ1.96–2.06 (m, 2H), 3.58 (t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 4.08 (t, 2H, J=5.8 Hz), 4.47(s, 2H), 6.98 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 7.30 (s, 2H), 7.80 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz),8.69 (s, 2H), 8.73 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 336-(4-(2-Morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidebis(methanesulfonic acid)

6-(4-(2-Morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidewas prepared according to Method C. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.70 (s,1H), 7.82 (8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 4.34 (m, 4H), 3.81 (m,4H), 3.48 (m, 2HH), 3.26 (m, 2H).

6-(4-(2-Morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide(100 mg) was suspended in MeOH (2 mL) and treated with methanesulfonicacid (100 uL). Diethyl ether (10 mL) was added and the resulting solidwas filtered and washed with diethyl ether to provide compound 33. ¹HNMR (200 MHz, D₂O) δ 8.09, 7.53 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (d, J=6.7 Hz,2H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 4.20 (m, 2H), 3.96 (br t, 2H), 3.70 (m, 4H), 3.35 (m,2H), 2.80 (br s, 4H).

EXAMPLE 34

Compound 34 was prepared in a manner similar to that described forcompound 32.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 3.71 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 3.82 (s, 2H), 3.98(t, 2H, J=4.6 Hz), 7.01 (d, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 7.40–7.48 (m, 3H), 8.71 (s,2H), 8.79 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 35

Compound 35 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 32.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.67 (s, 2H), 7.48 (s, 1H),7.40 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (s, 5H), 7.02 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.56 (s,2H), 4.14 (br s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.77 (br s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 36

Compound 36 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 32.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.70 (s, 2H), 7.47 (s, 1H),7.42 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (s, 5H), 7.01 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (s,2H), 4.06 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.59 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 1.99(t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 376-(3-Nitrophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-3′-nitroacetophenone (224 mg, 1.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (180 mg, 1.20 mmol) wererefluxed in 1,4-dioxane (7 mL) for 48 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 37 as a yellow crystalline solid (54 mg, 15%). ¹HNMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.12 (s, 1H), 8.75 (br s, 2H), 8.70 (t, 1H),8.31 (d, 1H), 8.14 (d, 1H), 7.72 (t, 1H).

EXAMPLE 386-(3-nitro-4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 38 was prepared by bromination of 3-nitro-4-chloroacetophenonewith bromine according to Method A, and condensation of thecorresponding 2-bromoacetophenone with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide, according to Method C, to yieldcompound 38 as a white solid (22% yield). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ9.09 (s, 1H), 8.77 (s, 2H), 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.86(d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 39

Step 1: 4-Acetylbenzoic acid (1.00 g, 6.09 mmol) was suspended inmethanol (10 mL). Hydrochloric acid (500 μL) was added. The reactionmixture was refluxed overnight. The resulting suspension was cooled to−10° C., filtered and the solid washed with cold methanol (3×2 mL) toprovide methyl 4-acetylbenzoate as a white solid (799 mg, 74%). ¹H NMR(200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.12 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 8.01 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 3.95(s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 3H).

Step 2 Methyl 4-acetylbenzoate (200 mg, 1.12 mmol) was suspended inchloroform (5 mL) and treated with pyridinium tribromide (359 mg, 1.12mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. One half equivalentof pyridinium tribromide (179 mg, 0.56 mmol) was added to the reactionmixture and stirred for two days. The solvent was removed under reducedpressure. Standard aqueous/ethyl acetate workup provided a brown solid,which was identified as a 8:12:3 mixture of starting material, methyl4-(2-bromoacetyl)benzoate and methyl 4-(2,2-dibromoacetyl)benzoatecompound. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.08 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 4H), 4.98 (s,2H), 3.87 (s, 3H).

Step 3 Methyl 4-(2-bromoacetyl)benzoate (100 mg, 0.39 mmol) and5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (70 mg, 0.39 mmol) were refluxedtogether in methanol (10 mL) for 48 hours. The resulting suspension wascooled to −10° C., filtered and the solid washed with cold methanol (3×2mL) to provide compound 39 as a white solid (12.9 mg, 9.35%). ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.03 (s, 1H), 8.70 (br s, 2H), 8.03 (s, 4H), 3.85(s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 406-(4-carboxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1: 4-Acetylbenzoic acid (186 mg, 1.14 mmol) was dissolved in warmacetic acid (5 mL) and treated with bromine (58 mL, 1.14 mmol). Thesolution was stirred overnight before being cooled on ice. The resultingsolid was filtered, washed with 1:1 methanol/water (3×10 mL) and driedin vacuo to provide 4-(2-bromoacetyl)benzoic acid as a white solid (102mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.07 (s, 4H), 4.98 (s, 2H).

Step 2: 4-(2-bromoacetyl)benzoic acid (102 mg) and5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (75 mg, 0.42 mmol) were refluxedtogether in methanol (20 mL) for 48 hours. The resulting suspension wascooled to −10° C., filtered and the solid washed with cold methanol (3×5mL) to provide compound 40 as a white crystalline solid (16 mg). ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 4H).

EXAMPLE 416-(3-cyanophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

3-(2-bromoacetyl)benzonitrile (100 mg, 0.45 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (80 mg, 0.45 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 41 as a white crystalline solid (78 mg, 57%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.03 (s, 1H), 8.76 (s, 2H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=7.6 Hz,1H), 7.71 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO) δ 164.9, 145.8, 144.6, 134.6,131.3, 130.2, 129.4, 128.3, 118.7, 112.4, 112.1.

EXAMPLE 426-(4-cyanophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

4-(2-bromoacetyl)benzonitrile (448 mg, 2 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (360 mg, 2 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol for 60 hours. The resulting mixture was cooled on ice and theprecipitate collected by suction filtration to provide 42 (300 mg) as awhite powder. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.07 (s, 1H), 8.77 (br s, 2H),8.09 (d, 2H), 7.90 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 436-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]ethan-1-one (100 mg, 0.36 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (65 mg, 0.36 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (5 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 43 as a white powder (55 mg, 43%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ9.08 (s, 1H), 8.76 (s, 2H), 8.15 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.96 (d, J=8.1 Hz,2H), 3.23 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 446-(4-(phenylmethylsulfonyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 44 was prepared by bromination of4′-(phenylmethylsulfonyl)acetophenone with bromine according to MethodA, and condensation of the corresponding 2-bromoacetophenone with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide, according to Method C, to yieldcompound 44 as a white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.06 (s, 1H),8.74 (s, 2H), 8.02 (m, 6H), 7.65 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 45

Compound 44 was prepared by according to Methods A and C, to yieldcompound 45 as a white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.08 (s, 1H),8.65 (s, 2H), 8.08 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.85 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 3.18(quart, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.05 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H).

EXAMPLE 466-(4-Pentylphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(4-pentylphenyl)ethan-1-one (269 mg, 1.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (180 mg, 1.0 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 48 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 46 as a white powder (180 mg, 51%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ8.81 (s, 1H), 8.71 (s, 2H), 8.79 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (d, J=8.2 Hz,2H), 2.54 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.57 (quintet, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.27 (m, 4H),0.85 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO): δ 164.0, 147.1, 145.3,142.5, 130.9, 128.9, 125.2, 110.7, 34.9, 30.9, 30.6, 22.0, 14.0.

EXAMPLE 476-(4-Methylphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(4-methylphenyl)ethan-lone (213 mg, 1 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (148 mg, 1 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hours. Solvent was removed under reducedpressure. The suspension was cooled to −4° C., filtered and washed withcold methanol (3×5 mL), to provide compound 47 (118 mg, 42%) as a whitepowder. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.80 (s, 1H), 8.71 (s, 2H), 7.78 (d,2H), 7.23 (d, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 486-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethan-1-one (227 mg, 1 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (180 mg, 1 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol for 5 days. The volatiles were removed in vacuo. The residuewas purified by column chromatography on silica using 30% ethylacetate/1% acetic acid in hexane as eluant. Recrystallization fromdichloromethane gave 48 (30 mg) as a white powder. ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.71 (br s, 2H), 8.52 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.10(s, 1H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 496-(4-(phenylmethylsulfonyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 49 was prepared by bromination of 4′-tert-butylacetophenonewith bromine according to Method A, and condensation of thecorresponding 2-bromoacetophenone with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide, according to Method C, to yieldcompound 49 as a white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.81 (s, 1H),8.70 (s, 2H), 7.81 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (s,9H).

EXAMPLE 50

Compound 50 was prepared according to Method A and Method C, to yieldcompound 50 as a white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.72 (br s,2H), 8.54 (s, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 1.95 (t,2H), 1.15 (s, 9H).

EXAMPLE 51

MS (m/z) M⁺=249.10.

EXAMPLE 526-(4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethan-1-one (534 mg, 2.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (360 mg, 2.0 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 52 as a white powder (270 mg, 39%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ9.05 (s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 2H), 8.10 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (d, J=8.0 Hz,2H).

EXAMPLE 536-(5-chloro-2-trifluoromethylphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 51 was prepared by bromination of5′-chloro-4′-trifluoromethylacetophenone with bromine according toMethod A, and condensation of the corresponding 2-bromoacetophenone with2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide, according to Method C, to yieldcompound 53 as a white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.04 (s, 1H),8.78 (s, 2H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=8.6 Hz,1H).

EXAMPLE 546-(3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-[3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethan-1-one (670 mg, 2.0 mmol)and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (360 mg, 2.0 mmol) wererefluxed in ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 54 as a white powder (292 mg, 70%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.26 (s, 1H), 8.77 (s, 2H), 8.54 (s, 2H), 8.04 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 556-(3,4-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(3,4-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (327 mg, 1mmol) and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (148 mg, 1 mmol) wererefluxed in ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hours. Solvent was removed underreduced pressure. The resulting solid was suspended in methanol (5 mL)and stirred for 30 minutes prior to suction filtration, washing twicefor cold methanol (2 mL), to provide compound 55 (93 mg, 24%) as a whitepowder. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.68 (s, 2H), 7.63 (s,2H), 1.41 (s, 9H).

EXAMPLE 566-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethan-1-one(250 mg, 0.81 mmol) and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (146 mg,0.81 mmol) were refluxed in ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hours. Solvent wasevaporated under reduced pressure and the resulting solid suspended inethanol (3 ml). The precipitate was collected by suction filtration andwashed with ethanol to provide compound 56 (45 mg) as an off whitesolid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.8 (s, 1H), 8.6 (br s, 2H), 7.8 (brs, 1H), 7.6 (dd, 1H), 7.3 (d, 1H), 1.6 (s, 4H), 1.3 (s, 6H), 1.2 (s,6H).

EXAMPLE 57

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.73 (s, 2H), 8.48 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H),7.18 (s, 1H), 5.42 (br s, 4H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.63 (s, 3H), 1.23 (s, 9H).

EXAMPLE 58 6-(4-(S-1-acetamidoethyl)phenyl)imidazo[2, 1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-4′-(S-1-acetamidoethyl)acetophenone (426 mg, 1.5 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole -5-sulfonamide (222 mg, 1.5 mmol) wererefluxed in ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hours. The resulting solution wascooled to −4° C. for 2 hours and the resulting solid was filtered,washing twice for cold methanol (2 mL), to provide compound 58 (172 mg,34 %) as white crystals. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.70(s, 2H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 7.83 (d, 2H), 7.34 (d, 2H), 4.91 (dt, 1H), 1.83(s, 3H), 1.33 (d, 3H).

EXAMPLE 596-(4-(Trifluoromethyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

3 -bromo-1,1.1 -trifluoropropan-2-one (534 mg, 2.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (360 mg, 2.0 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 59 as a white powder (270 mg, 39%). ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶)δ 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 60 6-(1-adamantyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

1-(1-Adamantyl)-2-bromoethan-1-one (514 mg, 2.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (360 mg, 2.0 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 60 as a white powder (120 mg, 18%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ8.64 (s, 2H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 2.03 (m, 3H), 1.90 (m, 6H), 1.72 (m, 6H).

EXAMPLE 61 6-(1-Naphthyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 61 was prepared by bromination of 1-acetylnapthylene withbromine according to Method A, followed by condensation of thecorresponding bromide with 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide,according to Metod C, to yield an off white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.25 (br s, 2H), 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.77 (s, 1H), 8.63 (dd, 1H),7.97 (m, 2H), 7.78 (dd, J=1.2, 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.61–7.49 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 62 6-(2-Naphthyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromonaphthone (2.50 g, 10.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (1.80 g, 1.2 mmol) were refluxedin 1,4-dioxane (20 mL) for 96 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled onice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 62 as a tan crystalline solid (2.36 g, 38%) in two crops. ¹HNMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.99 (s, 1H), 8.74 (br s, 2H), 8.42 (s, 1H),8.05 (d, 1H), 7.96–7.89 (m, 2H), 7.51 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 636-(8-Bromo-7-methoxylnaphth-2-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1: 2-Acetyl-6-methoxyacetophenone (1.00 g, 5.0 mmol) was dissolvedin methanol (5 mL) and was treated with bromine (500 μL, 10.0 mmol). Thereaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours before thevolatiles were removed in vacuo to provide a 95:5 mixture of2,7′-dibromo-6′-methoxylnaphone and 2-acetyl-6-methoxyacetophenone. Thiscrude mixture was advanced to the next step without furtherpurification. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.75 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, 1H),8.10 (d, 1H), 8.07 (dd, 1H), 7.64 (d, 1H), 5.01 (s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H).

Step 2: To the crude mixture obtained above was added5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (740 mg, 5.0 mmol) and methanol(20 mL). The resulting suspension was refluxed for 48 hours, cooled onice and the solid filtered off, to provide compound 63 as a white solid(230 mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.95 (s, 1H), 8.76 (d, 1H), 8.44(s, 1H), 8.11 (s, 2H), 8.02 (d, 1H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 3.99 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 64 6-pyrenylimidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

1-(Bromoacetyl)-pyrene (646 mg, 2 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (360 mg, 2 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (20 ml) for 60 hrs. Solvent was removed under reducedpressure. The resulting solid was purified by silica gel chromatography,eluting with solvent gradient of 30–100% ethyl acetate/hexane, to affordcompound 64 as a brownish orange solid (4.5 mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.0 (s, 1H), 8.8 (s, 2H), 8.50–8.00 (m, 9H).

EXAMPLE 655-Methyl-6-phenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromopropiophenone (1.07 mg, 5.00 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride (900 mg, 5.0 mmol)were refluxed in ethanol (25 mL) for 48 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 65 as a white crystalline solid (100 mg). ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.75 (br s, 3H), 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.45 (t, 2H), 7.30(t, 1H), 2.65 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 66 5,6-Diphenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Desyl bromide (550 mg, 2 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (360 mg, 2 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (20 ml) for 60 hrs. Solvent was removed under reducedpressure. Purification by silica gel chromatography, eluting with30:0.1:70 ethyl acetate/acetic acid/hexane, and recrystallization fromdichloromethane gave compound 66 as a white crystalline solid (175 mg).¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.8–8.6 (s, 2H), 7.7–7.4 (m, 7H), 7.4–7.2(m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 676-(4-Piperidinophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1: 4′-Piperidinoacetophenone (203 mg, 1.00 mmol) was dissolved inTHF (5 mL) and treated with lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (1.10 mL,1.0M in THF, 1.10 mmol). The solution was stirred for 30 minutes priorto the addition of chlorotrimethylsilane (140 μL, 1.10 mmol). Afterstirring for an additional 30 minutes N-bromosuccinamide (300 mg, 1.73mmol) was added and the mixture was refluxed from 4 hours. Standardaqueous/ethyl acetate workup provided a yellow solid which was furtherpurified by silica gel chromatography, eluting with 3:1 hexane/ethylacetate, to provide 2-bromo-4′-piperidinoacetophenone as an off whitesolid (209 mg, 74%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.75 (d, 2H), 6.84 (d,2H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 3.40 (m, 4H), 1.68 (m, 6H).

Step 2: 2-Bromo-4′-piperidinoacetophenone (209 mg, 0.74 mol) and5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (220 mg, 1.48 mmol) weresuspended in 1,4-dioxane (10 mL) and refluxed for 48 hours. The solventwas removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified bysilica gel chromatography, eluting with 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate, toprovide compound 67 as a yellow solid (8.0 mg, 2.7%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.68 (s, 3H), 7.75 (d, 2H), 6.98 (d, 2H), 3.23 (m, 4H), 1.57(m, 6H).

EXAMPLE 686-(4-Morpholinophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1: 4′-Morpholinoacetophenone (218 mg, 1.0 mmol) was dissolved inTHF (5 mL) and treated with lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (1.1 mL,1.0M in THF, 1.1 mmol). The solution was stirred for 30 minutes prior tothe addition of chlorotrimethylsilane (140 μL, 1.1 mmol). After stirringfor an additional 30 minutes N-bromosuccinamide (300 mg, 1.73 mmol) wasadded and the mixture was refluxed from 4 hours. Standard aqueous/ethylacetate workup provided a yellow solid, which was identified as a 3:1mixture of 2-bromo-4′-morpholinoacetophenone and starting material. ¹HNMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.86 (d, 2H), 6.84 (d, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 3.84(t, 4H), 3,32 (t, 4H).

Step 2: The crude 2-Bromo-4′-morpholinoacetophenone from above and5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (100 mg, 0.66 mmol) weresuspended in 1,4-dioxane (10 mL) and refluxed for 48 hours. The solventwas removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified bysilica gel chromatography, eluting with 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate, toprovide compound 68 as a yellow solid (23 mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶)δ 8.67 (s, 3H), 7.74 (d, 2H), 6.99 (d, 2H), 3.75 (t, 4H), 3.13 (t, 4H).

EXAMPLE 696-(4-Benzoylamidophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1: 4-Aminoacetophenone (1.35 g, 10.0 mmol) was dissolved indichloromethane (10 mL) and treated with benzoyl chloride (1.74 mL, 15.0mmol). The mixture was stirred for 16 hours at which time a whiteprecipitate had formed. The solid was removed by filtration, washingwith dichloromethane (3×20 mL) to provide 4-acetamidoacetophenone as awhite sold (2.74 g). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 10.53 (s, 1H), 7.92 (s,7H), 7.54 (m, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H).

Step 2: 4-Benzoylamidoacetophenone (2.55 g) was dissolved in acetic acid(25 mL) and was treated with pyridinium tribromine (3.00 g, 8.0 mmol).The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours before thevolatiles were removed in vacuo to provide2-bromo-4′-benzoylamidoacetophenone. This crude mixture was advanced tothe next step without further purification. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ10.61 (s, 1H), 8.96 (d, 2H), 8.61 (t, 1H), 8.15–8.00 (m, 7H), 4.86 (s,2H).

Step 3: To the crude mixture obtained above was added5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (1.50 mg, 10.0 mmol) andmethanol (20 mL). The resulting suspension was refluxed for 48 hours.The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue wastriturated from acetone to provide compound 69 as a yellow solid (120mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 10.35 (s, 1H), 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.70 (brs, 2H), 7.92 (d, 2H), 7.82 (s, 5H), 7.54 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 706-(4-Aminophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 66 (60 mg) was suspended in methanol (10 mL) and treated with6N HCl (1 mL). The suspension was refluxed for 16 hours until all solidshad dissolved. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and theresidue was suspended in water (10 mL), neutralized with saturatedaqueous NaHCO₃. The resulting precipitate was extracted with ethylacetate to provide compound 70 as a yellow solid (15 mg). ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.65 (br s, 2H), 8.53 (s, 1H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 6.58 (d,2H), 5.32 (br s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 71

Compound 77 was prepared by the bromination of 4-acetylphenylboronicacid according to Method A to yield the desired α-bromoacetophenone,which was condensed with 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamideaccording to Method C, to yield compound 71 as a white solid. ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.89 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 2H), 8.05 (br s, 2H), 7.86(s, 4H).

EXAMPLE 72 6-(Biphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-4′-phenylacetophenone (1.38 g, 5.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride (0.90 g, 5.0 mmol)were refluxed in ethanol (20 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 72 as a white solid (0.75 g, 45%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.95 (s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 2H), 8.00 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (m,4H), 7.44 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 736-(4-(2,3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1: 4′-Bromoacetopherione and 2,3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene boronic(5.0 mmol) acid, K₂CO₃ (10 mmol), and PdCl₂(PPh)₂ (0.1 equiv) wererefluxed in toluene for 16 hours. The solvent was removed under reducedpressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography,eluting with 4:1 hexane/ethyl acetate, to provide4′-(2,3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophenylacetophenone as a white solid.

Step 2: 4′-(2,3,4,5,6-Tetrafluorophenylacetophenone was dissolved indiethyl ether and treated with bromine (5 mmol). Solvent was removedunder reduced pressure to provide2-bromo-4′-(2,3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophenylacetophenone, which was usedwithout further purification.

Step 3: 2-bromo-4′-(2,3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophenylacetophenone and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride (0.90 g, 5.0 mmol)were refluxed in ethanol (20 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 73 as a white solid (0.75 g, 45%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.99 (s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 2H), 8.05 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (d,J=8.6 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 746-(4-(hydroxymethylphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 74 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H N (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.93 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=8.2 Hz,2H), 7.73 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.67 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J=8.2 Hz,2H), 4.53 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 756-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 75 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.89 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 2H), 7.92 (d, J=8.3Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.10 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H),7.02 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 766-(4-(3-methoxyphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 76 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.94 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 2H), 7.97 (d, J=8.2Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=7.3Hz, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 6.92 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 3.81 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 776-(4-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 77 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.91 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 2H), 7.96 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H), 7.70 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (d, J=8.8HZ, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 786-(4-(3-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 78 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.00 (s, 1H), 8.75 (s, 2H), 8.01 (d, J=8.0Hz, 2H), 7.79 (m, 3H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.59 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (d,J=7.9 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 796-(4-(hydroxymethylphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 79 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73. MS (m/z)M+1=401.

EXAMPLE 806-(4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 80 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.93 (s, 1H), 8.71 (s, 2H), 7.95 (d, 2H),7.77 (d, 2H), 7.66 (t, 1H), 7.60 (t, 1H), 7.35 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 816-(4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 81 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 2H), 8.02 (m, 4H),7.84 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.70 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 826-(4-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 82 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.97 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 2H), 8.05–7.80 (m,8H).

EXAMPLE 836-(4-(3,5-ditrifluoromethylphenyl)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 83 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.75 (s, 2H), 8.38 (s, 2H),8.01 (m, 5H).

EXAMPLE 84 6-(thiophen-2-yl-phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 84 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.92 (s, 1H), 8.70 (s, 2H), 7.94 (d, J=8.2Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (m, 2H), 7.15 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 856-(thiophen-3-yl-phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 85 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 7.88 (d, J=8.2Hz, 2H), 7.16 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.49 (d, J=8.2Hz, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 6.27 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 2.86 (s, 6H).

Example 866-(4′methoxybiphen-3-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 86 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 73.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 8.14 (s, 1H),7.84 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=8.5HZ, 2H), 7.54 (m, 2H), 7.05 (d,J=8.9Hz, 2H), 2.80 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 876-(4-phenoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1: 4-Phenoxyacetopheneone was prepared by refluxing4-fluoroaceotone and phenol in DMAc for 16 hours. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure and the reside subjected to standardethyl acetate/water work-up and the resulting material purified bysilica gel chromatography.

Step 2: 4-Phenoxyacetophenone was brominated with bromine according toMethod A to provide the desired α-bromoacetophenone, which was condensedwith 2-amino-13,4,-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide according to method C, toprovide compound 87 as an off white, solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ8.82 (s, 1H), 8.71 (s, 2H), 7.90 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (t, J=7.3 Hz,2H), 7.07 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.08–7.03 (m, 6H).

EXAMPLE 886-(4-chlorophenoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 88 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.81 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 7.89 (d, J=8.5Hz, 2H), 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.11–7.01 (m, 4H).

EXAMPLE 896-(4-(3,4-difluorophenoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 89 was prepared in a manner similar to that described forcompound 87. MS (m/z) M+1=409.

EXAMPLE 906-(4-(4-azaphenoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 90 was prepared in a manner similar to that described forcompound 87. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.02, 8.76 (s, 2H), 8.41 (d,J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 8.10 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.71 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (d,J=8.6 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 916-(4-chlorophenoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 91 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.84 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 7.92 (d, J=8.5Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 4H).

EXAMPLE 926-(3,4-dichlorophenoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 92 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.86 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 7.94 (d, J=8.5Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J=8.9Hz, 2H), 7.04 (dd, ¹J=8.9 Hz ²J=2.8 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 936-(2-bromophenoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 93 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 7.90 (d, J=8.2Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (t, J=8.4Hz, 2H), 7.00 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 946-(3-bromophenoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 94 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87. MS (m/z)M+1=452, M+2=454.

EXAMPLE 956-(4-bromophenoxypohenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 95 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87. ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 6.98–7.19 (m, 4H), 7.55 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 7,92 (d, 2H,J=8.5 Hz), 8.71 (s, 2H), 8.84 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 966-(3-dimethylaminophenoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 96 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 7.88 (d, J=8.2Hz, 2H), 7.16 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.49 (d, J=8.2Hz, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 6.27 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 2.86 (s, 6H).

EXAMPLE 976-(4-(4-iso-propylphenoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 97 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.81 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 7.89 (d, J=8.9Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (d, J=8.5Hz, 2H), 2.88 (septet, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 1.19 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 6H).

EXAMPLE 986-(4-(4-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 98 was prepared in a manner similar to that described forcompound 87. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.71 (s, 2H),7.84 (d, J8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.06–6.94 (m, 4H), 3.74 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 996-(4-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 99 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87.

¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.91 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 2H), 8.25 (d, J=8.9Hz, 2H), 8.00 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, J=8.9Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1006-4-(3,4-difluorophenoxy)phenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 100 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 87. MS (m/z)M+1=409.

EXAMPLE 101

Step 1: 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (5.00 g, 36.7 mmol) was dissolved in THF(100 mL) and cooled on ice. Sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (40.5 mL,1.0M in THF, 40.5 mmol) was added and the solution was warmed to roomtemperature. After stirring for 2 hours the solution was cooled on iceand ethyl bromoacetate (6.14 mL, 55.1 mmol) was added; The solution wasstirred over night. Standard aqueous workup provided the desired esteras a clear oil, which was dissolved in 3:2:1 THF/methanol/1.0M NaOH (36mL). After stirring over night the solution was diluted with diethylether and water. The aqueous layer was separated, washed with diethylether, and acidified. The resulting solid was extracted with ethylacetate to provide 2-(4-acetylphenoxy)acetic acid as a white solid (2.91g).

Step 2: 2-(4-acetylphenoxy)acetic acid (2.81 g, 14.5 mmol) was dissolvedin acetic acid (100 mL) and treated with bromine (740 μL, 14.5 mmol) andstirred 48 hours. Bromine (370 mL, 7.25 mmol) was added and solution wasstirred for an additional 16 hours. Volatiles were removed under reducedpressure to provide a brown solid which was titurated with diethyl etherto provide 2-(4-(2-bromoacetyl)phenoxy)acetic acid (1.82 g) as a lightbrown solid.

Step 3: 2-(4-(2-Bromoacetyl)phenoxy)acetic acid (1.00 g, 3.66 mmol) and5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (659 mg, 3.66 mmol) wererefluxed together in methanol (20 mL) for 48 hours. The resultingsuspension was cooled to −10° C., filtered and the solid washed withcold methanol (3×5 mL) to provide compound 101 as a white crystallinesolid (578 mg, 44%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d,2H), 7.02 (d, 2H), 4.83 (s, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 2.64 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 102

Compound 101 (50 mg, 0.14 mmol) was dissolved in 3:2:1 THF/methanol/1MNaOH (9 mL) and stirred over night. The resulting solution was dilutedwith ethyl acetate and water. The aqueous layer was washed with ethylacetate and acidified to yield a white suspension. The suspension wasextracted with ethyl acetate, the organic layer was dried over anhydrousMgSO₄, filtered, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure toprovide compound 102 as a white solid (10.2 mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.74 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H),4.66 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 103

4-(2-Bromopropionyl)phenylacetic acid (256 mg, 1.0 mmol) and5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (185 mg, 1.22 mmol) wererefluxed together in methanol (20 mL) for 48 hours. The resultingsuspension was cooled to −10° C., filtered and the solid washed withcold methanol (3×5 mL) to provide compound 103 as a white crystallinesolid (22 mg, 7%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d,2H), 7.02 (d, 2H), 4.83 (s, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 2.64 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1046-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-5-methylimidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one (262 mg, 1.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (180 mg, 1.0 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 5 days. The resulting solution was concentratedand the crude material was purified by column chromatography on silicagel, eluting with 25:75 ethyl acetate/hexanes to provide compound 104 asa yellow powder (38 mg, 11%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.72 (s, 2H),7.74 (m, 1H), 7.59 (m, 1H), 7.48 (m, 1H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 2.39 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 105 6-(2-Pyridyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-(2-bromoacetyl)pyridine (2.5 g, 12.4 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (2.2 g, 12.4 mmol) were refluxedin methanol (75 mL) for 48 hrs. After evaporation of methanol 1M sodiumhydroxide (25 mL) was added and the resulting solution was washed withether (3×20 mL). The aqueous layer was acidified to a pH of 7 with 1Mhydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×25 mL). The solidobtained from the organic layers was recrystallized in acetone toprovide compound 105 as a light brown powder (84 mg, 2.4%). ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.74 (br s, 2H), 8.58 (d, J=5.5 Hz, 1H),7.92 (m, 2H), 7.33 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 106 6-(2-Pyridyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamideHCl

Compound 105 (25 mg) was dissolved in methanol and HCl gas was bubbledthrough for 30 seconds. Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure toprovide a white solid (99%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, D₂O-d⁶) δ 8.86 (s, 1H),8.57 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 8.50 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H),7.80 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 107 6-(4-Pyridyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(4-pyridinyl)-1-ethanone hydrobromide (100 mg, 0.356 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (64 mg, 0.356 mmol) wererefluxed in 1,4-dioxane (5 mL) for 48 hours. The resulting solid wasisolated by filtration and recrystallized from methanol to providecompounds 107 as a brown solid (129 mg, 42% yield). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶)δ 9.52 (s, 1H), 8.90 (d, 2H), 8.84 (s, 2H), 8.39 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1086-(2-Pyrimidenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1: Acetylpyrazine (244 mg, 2.0 mmol) was suspended in glacialacetic acid (10 mL) and treated with pyridinium tribromide (640 mg, 2.0mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silicagel chromatography, eluting with 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate, to provide2-(2-bromoacetyl)pyrazine as a brown solid (154 mg, 38%). ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.16 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.94 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.82(dd, J=1.5, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.99 (s, 2H).

Step 2 2-(2-Bromoacetyl)pyrazine (154 mg, 0.764 mmol) and5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (138 mg, 0.764 mmol) wererefluxed together in methanol (10 mL) for 48 hours. The resultingsuspension was cooled to −10° C., filtered and the solid washed withcold methanol (3×2 mL) to provide compound 108 as a brown solid (6.6 mg,3.1%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.19 (s, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.78 (s,2H), 8.65 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.59 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 1096-(coumaran-2-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-(2-Bromoacetyl)coumaran (mg, 1.0 mmol) and 5-amino-i,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (180 mg, 1.0 mmol) were refluxed togetherin methanol (10 mL) for 72 hours. The resulting suspension was cooled to−10° C., filtered and the solid washed with cold methanol (3×2 mL) toprovide compound 109 as a white solid (15.6 mg, 5.4%).

¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.65 (br s, 1H), 8.61 (s, 1H),7.81 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (m, 1H), 7.38 (m, 2H). ¹³C NMR (50 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 164.7, 158.5, 152.5, 139.9, 137.5, 131.9, 128.9, 124.8,119.8, 119.1, 116.0, 114.6, 96.7.

EXAMPLE 110

6-(Chloroacetyl)-2-H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (248 mg, 1.1 mmol),n-Bu₄NI (405 mg, 1.1 mmol) and 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide(148 mg, 1.0 mmol) were refluxed together in methanol (12 mL) for 4days. The resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration, washing withcold methanol, to provide compounds 110 as a white solid (58 mg). ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 10.84 (s, 1H), 8.79 (s, 3H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.42 (d,2H), 7.00 (d, 2H), 4.58 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1116-(Benzo[b]furan-2-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

1-(1-benzofuran-2-yl)-2-bromoethan-1-one (100 mg, 0.41 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (74 mg, 0.41 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (5 mL) for 30 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 111 as an off white powder (47 mg, 33%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.86 (s, 1H), 8.77 (br s, 2H), 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1126-(2-Thiophenyl)-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Acetylthiophene (252 mg, 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in acetic acid (5 mL)and treated with bromine (100 μL, 2.0 mmol). The solution was stirredovernight before the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure toprovide a white solid, which contained a 3:1 mixture of(2-bromoacetyl)thiophene and starting material. This crude mixture wasrefluxed in methanol (10 mL) with5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (300 mg, 2.0 mmol) for 5 days.The resulting solid was filtered, washing with methanol (3×5 mL) toprovide compounds 112 as a light pink solid (60.5 mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.70 (s, 1H), 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.11 (t, 1H).

EXAMPLE 1136-(5-Phenylthiophen-2-yl)-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(5-phenyl-2-thienyl)-1-ethanone (100 mg, 0.36 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide were refluxed in ethanol for 120hours. The volatiles were removed in vacuo. The residue was purified bycolumn chromatography on silica gel using 20% ethyl acetate/1% aceticacid in hexane followed by 30% ethyl acetate/1% acetic acid in hexane aseluant. Triturating with diethyl ether provided compound 113 (7 mg) asan orange solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.70 (br s,2H), 7.70–7.20 (m, 7H).

EXAMPLE 1146-(5-Nitro-2-thiophenyl)-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide EXAMPLE 1156-(3-Methylbenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(3-methylbenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)ethan-1-one (125 mg, 0.5 mmol)and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (74 mg, 0.5 mmol) wererefluxed in ethanol (10 mL) for 72 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 115 as a white crystalline solid (63 mg, 39%). ¹HNMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.80 (s, 1H), 8.78 (s, 2H), 8.94 (dd, 1H), 8.83(dd, 1H), 7.42 (dt, 1H), 7.37 (dt, 1H), 2.58 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1166-(Benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

1-Benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl-2-bromoethan-1-one (125 mg, 0.5 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (74 mg, 0.5 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 72 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 116 as a white crystalline solid (63 mg, 39%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.91 (s, 1H), 8.74 (br s, 2H), 8.52 (d, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H),8.05 (d, 1H), 7.50–7.42 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1176-(3-Phenylisoxazol-5-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Prepared according to Method C. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.03 (s,1H), 8.79 (s, 2H), 7.95 (m, 3H), 7.53 (m, 2H), 7.36 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1186-(5-Methyl-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(5-methyl-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)ethan-1-one (100 mg, 0.36mmol) and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (65 mg, 0.36 mmol)were refluxed in ethanol (5 mL) for 60 hrs. Solvent was evaporated andthe crude solid was purified by flash chromatography using 35:65 ethylacetate:hexanes to provide compound 118 as a yellowish powder (64 mg,50%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.73 (br s, 2H), 8.25 (s, 1H), 7.58(m, 2H), 7.45 (m, 3H), 2.56 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 119 6-(Ethyl isoxazol-5-yl-3-carboxylate)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Ethyl 5-(2-bromoacetyl)isoxazole-3-carboxylate (100 mg, 0.38 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (70 mg, 0.38 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (5 mL) for 60 hrs. The resulting solution was cooled on iceand the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to providecompound 119 as an orange powder (21 mg, 16 %). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.14 (s, 1H), 8.82 (s, 2H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 4.39 (q, J=7.0 Hz,2H), 1.34 (t, J =7.1 Hz, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1206-(5-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-1-(5-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethan-1-one (100 mg, 0.36mmol) and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (65 mg, 0.36 mmol)were refluxed in ethanol (5 mL) for 45 hrs. Solvent was evaporated andthe solid was recrystallized from ethanol to provide compound 120 as abeige powder (30 mg, 28%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.71 (s, 2H),8.55 (s, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.52 (m, 5H), 2.56 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1216-(Thiaxol-2-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Step 1 2-Acetylthiazole (400 μL, 3.86 mmol) was suspended in chloroform(10 mL) and treated with pyridinium tribromide (1.23 g, 3.86 mmol). Thereaction mixture was stirred for two days. The solvent was removed underreduced pressure. Standard aqueous/ethyl acetate workup provided a darkorange solid, which was identified as a 8:1 mixture of2-(2-bromoacetyl)thiazole and starting material. ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.30 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 4.93 (s, 2H).

Step 2 2-(2-Bromoacetyl)thiazole (206 mg, 1.0 mmol) and5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (180 mg, 1.0 mmol) were refluxedtogether in methanol (10 mL) for 72 hours. The resulting suspension wascooled to −10° C., filtered and the solid washed with cold methanol (3×2mL) to provide compound 121 as a white solid (15.6 mg, 5.4%). ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.90 (s, 1H), 8.74 (br s, 2H), 7.90 (d, J=3.1 Hz,1H), 7.75 (d, J=3.3 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 1226-(2,4-Thiaxol-5-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 122 was prepared according to the method described for compound103 to provide compound 122 as an off white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.74 (s, 2H), 8.65 (s, 1H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 2.47 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1235-Chloro-6-phenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-sulfonamide

Compound 1 (250 mg, 0.891 mmol) was dissolved in 10:1 THF/water (22 mL)and treated with 40% sodium hypochlorite (1 mL). The solution wasstirred for 3 hours before the volatiles were removed under reducedpressure to provide a light yellow solid (310 mg, 98%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 7.96 (m, 2H), 7.43 (t, 2H), 7.39 (t, 1H).

EXAMPLE 1245-Bromo-6-phenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide

Compound 1 (5.00 g, 17.8 mmol) in AcOH (200 mL) was treated with bromine(0.96 mL, 18.7 inmol). The solution was stirred overnight and theformation of a white precipitate was observed. The solvent wasevaporated and the solid was suspended in MeOH (50 mL). That suspensionwas put in the fridge for one hour and filtered to provide compound 124as a white powder (4.8 g, 76% after 3^(rd) crop). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO): δ 8.82 (s, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1255-Bromo-6-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide

Compound 105 (50 mg, 0.18 mmol) was suspended in acetic acid (5 mL) andtreated with bromine (10 μL, 0.20 mmol). After stirring overnight thevolatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the solid was driedunder vacuum to provide compound 125 as a yellow solid (54 mg, 84%). ¹HNMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.84 (s, 2H), 8.67 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (m,2H), 7.43 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO) δ 166.9, 147.1, 146.0, 142.6,137.9, 124.8, 122.4, 98.7.

EXAMPLE 1265-Bromo-6-(4-nitrophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide EXAMPLE 1275-Bromo-6-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide EXAMPLE 1285-Bromo-6-(4-bromophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide

Compound 14 (100 mg, 0.278 mmol) was suspended in acetic acid (5 mL) andtreated with neat bromine (16 μL, 0.306 mmol). The reaction mixture wasstirred overnight and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure toprovide compounds 128 as a light orange solid (143 mg, 99%). ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.82 (s, 2H), 7.92 (d, 2H), 7.68 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1295-Bromo-6-(2-bromo3-methoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide

Prepared according to the method described for compound 128.

EXAMPLE 1305-Bromo-6-(2-naphthyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide

Compound 62 (192 mg, 0.582 mmol) was suspended in acetic acid (10 mL)and treated with neat bromine (31 μL, 0.612 mmol). After stirringovernight the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, to providecompound 130 as a tan solid (279 mg, 93%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ8.83 (br s, 2H), 8.42 (s, 1H), 8.04 (d, 1H), 7.98–7.80 (m, 3H), 7.48 (m,2H).

EXAMPLE 1315-Chloro-6-(biphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide

Compound 131 was prepared according to the method described for compound123 to provide a white solid.

EXAMPLE 1325-Bromo-6-(biphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide

Compound 72 (1.00 g, 2.80 mmol) was suspended in AcOH (20 mL) andtreated with bromine (172 μL, 3.4 mmol). The solution was stirredovernight and the formation of a white precipitate was observed. Thesolvent was evaporated and the solid was dissolved in 10 mL MeOH. Thatsuspension was put in the fridge for one hour to increase precipitation.Successive precipitations and filtrations provided compound 132 as ayellow powder (1.10 g, 79%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.11(d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.82 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.45(m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1335-Bromo-6-(5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidehydrobromide EXAMPLE 1345-Bromo-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 59 (430 mg, 1.59 mmol) was suspended in acetic acid (10 mL) andtreated with bromine (244 μL, 4.76 mmol). After stirring stirringovernight the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to provide a1:1 mixture of compounds 59 and 134 The above process was repeated toprovide compound 134 as a white solid (477 mg). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.89 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1355-Thiophenyl-6-(2-naphthyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 130 (100 mg, 0.204 mmol) and mercaptobenzene (28 uL, 0.269mmol) were combined in THF (10 mL) and refluxed for 16 hours, followedby 72 hours at room temperature. Volatiles were removed under reducedpressure and the resulting residue was triturated with diethyl ether toprovide compound 135 as a yellow solid (62 mg, 69% yield). ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.82 (br s, 2H), 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d,1H), 7.83 (m, 2H), 7.53 (m, 2H), 7.38–7.12 (m, 5H).

EXAMPLE 1365-(S-(2-Thio-5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazolyl)-6-(2-naphthyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

Compound 130 (102 mg, 0.208 mmol) and 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol(37 mg, 0.275 mmol) were combined in a 2:1 mixture of ethylacetate/methanol (15 mL) and refluxed for 16 hours, followed by 72 hoursat room temperature. Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure andthe resulting residue was recrystallized from methanol to providecompound 136 as a yellow solid (32 mg, 34% yield). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.86 (br s, 2H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.02 (d, 1H),7.98 (m, 2H), 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.36 (br s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1376-Phenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N-methylsulfonamide

Compound 1 (110 mg, 0.50 mmol), methanol (30 mg, 0.5 mmol), andtriphenylphosphine (130 mg, 0.5 mmol) were combined in THF (5 mL). Thissolution was added to a reaction vessel containing polymer supportedDIAD (500 mg, 0.50 mmol). After being shaken overnight, the solid resinwas removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated underreduced pressure. The resulting semi-solid was purified by silica gelchromatography, eluting with 10% ethyl acetate/hexane, to providecompound 137 as a white solid. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, acetone-d⁶) δ 8.58 (s,1H), 7.98 (d, 2H), 7.42 (t, 2H), 7.31 (t, 1H), 2.93 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1386-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N-methylsulfonamide

MS (m/z) M+1=385.

EXAMPLE 1396-Phenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamide

Compound 1 (140 mg, 0.5 mmol), methanol (64 mg, 2.0 mmol), andtriphenyiphosphine (525 mg, 2.0 mmol) were combined in THE (2 mL) andtreated with DIAD (200 μL, 2.0 mmol). The resulting solution was stirredover night. The resulting solid was filtered and washed with THF (2×3mL) to provide compound 139 as a white crystalline solid. ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.92 (s, 1H), 8.91 (d, 2H), 7.44 (t, 2H), 7.34 (t, 1H),2.93 (s, 6H).

EXAMPLE 1406-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamide

Compound 140 was prepared in a manner similar to compound 137. ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.86 (t, 1H), 2.95 (s, 6H).

EXAMPLE 1416-(3-Methoxyphenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-diethylsulfonamide

Compound 16 (50 mg, 0.162 mmol), ethanol (28 μL, 0.486 mmol), andtriphenylphosphine (127 mg, 0.86 mmol) were combined in THF (10 mL) andtreated with DIAD (96 μL, 0.468 mmol). The resulting solution wasstirred over night. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and theresulting semi-solid was triturated with diethyl ether to providecompound 141 as a white crystalline solid (19.6 mg, 33%). ¹H NMR (200MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.35 (t, 1H), 6.88 (d, 1H),3.88 (s, 3H), 3.45 (q, 4H), 1.35 (t, 6H).

EXAMPLE 1426-(3-Methoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dibutylsulfonamide

Compound 16 (50 mg, 0.162 mmol), butanol (44 μL, 0.486 mmol), andtriphenylphosphine (127 mg, 0.486 mmol) were combined in THF (10 mL) andtreated with DIAD (96 μL, 0.486 mmol). The resulting solution wasstirred over night. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure andthe resulting semi-solid was purified by silica gel chromatography,eluting with 10% ethyl acetate/hexane, to provide compound 142 as alight yellow solid (49 mg, 72%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.08 (s, 1H),7.38 (d, 2H), 7.35 (t, 1H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.34 (t, 4H), 1.67 (m, 4H),1.36 (m, 3H), 0.93 (t, 6H).

EXAMPLE 1436-(4-Bromophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamide

Compound 143 was prepared from compound 14 according to the methoddescribed for compound 142.

EXAMPLE 1446-(4-Bromophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamidehydrobromide

6-(4-Bromophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamide(100 mg, 0.258 mmol) was suspended in acetic acid (5 mL) and treatedwith neat bromine (18 μL, 0.315 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirredovernight and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to providecompounds 144 as a light orange solid (140 mg, 99%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 7.84 (d, 2H), 7.63 (d, 2H), 2.93 (s, 6H).

EXAMPLE 1456-(3-Hydroxyphenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamide

Step 1: Compound 16 (212 mg, 0.851 mmol), methanol (103 μL. 2.55 mmol),and triphenylphosphine (669 mg, 2.55 mmol) were combined in THF (10 mL)and treated with DIAD (502 uL, 2.55 mmol). The resulting solution wasstirred over night. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and theresulting semi-solid was triturated with methanol to provide whitecrystalline solid (244 mg, 85%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.12 (s,1H), 7.40 (dd, 1H), 7.38 (d, 1H), 7.33 (t, 1H), 6.88 (ddd, 1H), 3.87 (s,3H), 3.02 (s, 6H).

Step 2: The above compound (420 mg, 1.24 mmol) was suspended inmethylenechloride (10 mL) and treated with a BBr³ (6.20 mL, 1.0 M inCH₂Cl₂, 6.20 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight beforebeing quenched with water (1 mL), followed by saturated NaHCO₃ (10 mL).The resulting mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (20 mL) andsubjected to standard workup. The organic layer provided a off yellowsolid which was further purified by recrystallization from methanol toprovide compounds 145 was a gray solid (14 mg, 32%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz,DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.50 (br s, 1H), 8.83 (s, 1H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.25 (t, 1H),6.71 (dd, 1H), 2.93 (s, 6H).

EXAMPLE 1466-(3-Benzoyloxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamide

Compound 145 (20 mg, 0.062 mmol) was dissolved in THF (2 mL) and treatedwith triethylamine (10 mL, 0.068 mmol) followed by benzoyl chloride (9mL, 0.068 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 4 hours before asecond equiv of triethylamine and benzoyl chloride were added. Standardaqueous workup and purification by silica gel chromatography, elutingwith 30% ethyl acetate/hexane, provided compound 146 as a white solid(16 mg, 62%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.22 (m, 2H), 8.12 (s, 1H),7.77–7.60 (m, 3H), 7.58–7.44 (m, 3H), 7.22 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 1476-(2-Naphthyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamide

Compound 62 (330 mg, 1.0 mmol), methanol (180 μL, 4.40 mmol), andtriphenylphosphine (1.15 g, 4.40 mmol) were combined in THF (10 mL) andtreated with DIAD (1.90 mL, 4.40 mmol). The resulting solution wasstirred over night. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure andthe resulting semi-solid was triturated with diethyl ether, to providecompound 147 as a white crystalline solid (268 mg, 75%). ¹H NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.45 (s, 1H), 8.07–7.83 (m, 3H), 7.56 (m,2H), 2.91 (s, 6H).

EXAMPLE 148 6-Phenyl-imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidesodium salt

Compound 1 (200 mg, 0.71 mmol) was added to a solution of sodiumhydroxide (28 mg, 0.71 mmol) in 4:1 MeOH/H₂O (5 mL). The solution wasstirred overnight at room temperature before the solvent was removedunder reduced pressure to provide compound 148 as a white solid (235 mg,99%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, J =8.2 Hz, 2H),7.32 (in, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1496-(3′-methoxybiphen-4-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidesodium salt

Compound 149 was prepared from compound 76 according to the methoddescribed for compound 148; white solid (96%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶)δ 8.65 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.70 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (m,2H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 6.90 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 3.81 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 1506-(3′-trifluoromethylbiphen-4-yl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamidesodium salt

Compound 150 was prepared from compound 81 according to the methoddescribed for compound 148; white solid (96%). ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶)δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 7.98 (m, 4H), 7.79 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.69 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1516-(4-Azido-2,3,5,6-tetraflourophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-4′-azido-2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluoroacetophenone (Keana, J. F. W.;Cai, S. X. J. Org. Chem., 1990, 55, 3640) (353 mg, 1 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (148 mg, 1 mmol) were refluxedin ethanol (10 mL) for 60 hours. The resulting solid was filtered,washing twice for cold methanol (2 mL), to provide compound 151 (102 mg,25%) as a white powder. ¹H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.81 (t, J=2.0 Hz,1H), 8.79 (br s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 1526-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-N,N-dimethylsulfonamide

Compound 152 was prepred in a manner similar to compound 137. ¹H NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 8.22 (t, 1H), 3.07 (s, 6H).

EXAMPLE 1536-(4-Nitrophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide

2-Bromo-4′-nitroacetophenone (2.44 g, 10.0 mmol) and2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (1.50 g, 10.0 mmol) wererefluxed in 1,4-dioxane (20 mL) for 48 hrs. The resulting solution wascooled on ice and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtrationto provide compound 153 as a white crystalline solid (2.40 g, 67%). ¹HNMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ 9.18 (s, 1H), 8.69 (br s, 1H), 8.35 (d, 2H),8.16 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 154 Protection of SCG Neurons from Anti-NGF Killing

SCG neurons were isolated from day 1 neonatal Sprague Dawley rats,plated at a cell density of 5,000 cells/well, and incubated inBiowhittaker Utraculture containing 1% Penstrep, 1% L-glutamine, 0.7%ARAC, 3% rat serum, and NGF (50 ng/mL, Calomone Labs), at 37° C., undera 5% CO₂ atmosphere. After 4 days the cells were treated with anti-NGFantibody (Sigma). At this time compound was added and the cells weremaintained serum and NGF free for 48 hours, at which time viability wasassessed using Alamar Blue (Medicorp) staining.

Table 3a summarizes selected IC(50) values from compounds tested usingthis protocol.

TABLE 3a Rescue from anti-NGF killing of SCG neurons Compound IC(50)(uM)* 1 22 2 20 3 10 9 8 21 22 23 25 26 23 34 >30 35 >30 36 17 72 17 7420 75 10 76 5 79 7 81 5 82 25 84 >30 85 >30 86 17 87 10 88 10 89 10 91 792 7 93 7 94 10 95 7 96 20 97 7 98 17 99 7 106 7 111 7 148 22 149 7 1507 *+/−1 uM

EXAMPLE 155 In Vitro Protection of SCG Neurons from Taxol Killing

SCG neurons were isolated from day 1 neonatal Sprague Dawley rats,plated at a cell density of 10,000 cells/well, and incubated inBiowhittaker Utraculture containing 1% Penstrep, 1% L-glutamine, 0.7%ARAC, 3% rat serum, and NGF (50 ng/mL, Calomone Labs) at 37° C., under a5% CO₂ atmosphere. After 5 days the cells were treated with compound andTaxol™ (50 ng/mL). Viability was assessed 48 hours later using MTS(Promega) staining.

Table 3b summarizes selected IC(50) values from compounds tested usingthis protocol.

TABLE 3b Rescue from anti-NGF killing of SCG neurons Compounds IC(50)(uM)* 1 7 4 5 5 5 6 3 7 4 8 5 11 3 12 5 13 7 14 5 15 10 16 5 17 3 18 2019 15 20 15 21 7 22 25 24 7 25 5 26 7 30 10 31 10 32 10 37 10 38 3 40 2341 3 42 3 46 7 47 6 48 5 49 5 50 7 51 5 52 3 53 5 54 10 55 15 56 3 57 658 30 59 10 60 25 61 10 62 15 63 7 64 10 65 15 66 20 67 10 68 7 70 2271 >30 72 10 73 2 74 7 75 5 76 2 77 2 81 3 82 2 87 5 95 3 99 2 101 >30102 >30 103 >30 104 7 105 7 107 20 108 5 109 7 110 >30 111 2 112 5 113 7114 7 115 7 116 7 117 3 118 17 120 7 121 2 122 8 123 >30 124 3 125 3 1282 129 7 130 2 131 3 132 1 134 1 135 7 136 5 137 10 138 2 139 10 140 5141 >30 142 >30 143 10 144 15 145 20 146 20 147 17 148 7 151 2 152 2 1535

FIG. 1 illustrates the protection provided by compound 1 (referred tohere as AEG3482) against Taxol™ induced killing. P1 Sprague Dawley ratSCG neurons were cultured and incubated with NGF (50 ng/mL) for 5 days.Addition of Taxol™ (50 ng/mL) resulted in a 72% loss in viability asmeasured by MTS staining. Co-treatment with compound 1 resulted in 100%protection at 10 uM, with an IC₅₀ of 7 uM.

EXAMPLE 156 In Vitro Protection of SCG Neurons from Cisplatin Killing

SCG neurons were isolated from day 1 neonatal Sprague Dawley rats,plated at a cell density of 10,000 cells/well, and incubated inBiowhittaker Utraculture containing 1% Penstrep, 1% L-glutamine, 0.7%ARAC, 3% rat serum, and NGF (50 ng/mL, Calomone Labs) at 37° C., under a5% CO₂ atmosphere. After 5 days the cells were treated with compound andcisplatin (3 μg/mL). Viability was assessed 48 hours later using MTS(Promega) staining.

TABLE 4 Protection of SCG neurons against cisplatin killing EntryCompound IC₅₀ (±1 μM) 1 1 5

EXAMPLE 157 In Vitro Protection of SCG Neurons from Vincristine Killing

SCG neurons were isolated from day 1 neonatal Sprague Dawley rats,plated at a cell density of 10,000 cells/well, and incubated inBiowhittaker Utraculture containing 1% Penstrep, 1% L-glutamine, 0.7%ARAC, 3% rat serum, and NGF (50 ng/mL, Calomone Labs) at 37° C., under a5% CO₂ atmosphere. After 5 days the cells were treated with compound andvincristine (50 ng/mL). Viability was assessed 48 hours later using MTS(Promega) staining.

TABLE 5 Protection of SCG neurons against Vincristine killing EntryCompound IC₅₀ (±1 μM) 1 1 10

EXAMPLE 158 Protection of Motor Neurons in Layer V of the Motor Cortex

350 uM slices of P1 rat motor cortex were obtained using a McIlwaintissue chopper (Mickle Laboratory Engineering Co., England). Slices werecultured in 50% Neurobasal, 25% HBSS, 25% Horse serum, 1%penicillin/streptomycin, 2 mM glutamine, 6.4 mg/mL glucose for 2 weeks.Neuronal death was initiated by addition of 5 mM malonate. Testcompounds were added coincident with malonate and slices were culturedfor an additional two weeks. Slices were fixed in 4% paraformaldehydeand stained with SMI-32 antibody (Sternberger monoclonals, Maryland).Large SMI positive cells with apical dendrites residing in layer V ofthe cortex were identified as motor neurons and counted. Malonatetreatment greatly reduced the SMI-positive motor neuron count.

FIG. 2 illustrates the protection of cortical motor neurons frommalonate killing. Slices of P1 rat motor cortex (350 uM) were treatedwith malonate and incubated in media for 14 days, before malonate anddrug were added. Part (a) shows control motor neuons. Large sizeddiamond-shaped neurons are visible; part (b) shows malonate treatmentalone, which results in killing with a complete loss of neurons; andpart (c) shows 90% rescue of cortical motor neurons in the presence ofcompound 91 (1 uM) and malonate. In Part C, large diamond-shaped neuronsare again visible.

EXAMPLE 159 Co-treatment of H460 and OV2008 cell line with Taxol™ andCompound 1

H460 and OV2008 cells were plated and incubated for 48 hours. Compound 1and/or compound 1 and Taxol™ were added. Viability was determined after24 hours, staining with MTT (Promega).

FIG. 3 illustrates the co-treatment of H460 and OV 2008 cell lines withTaxol™ and compound 1. H460 lung carcinoma and OV2008 ovarian carcinomacells were treated with Taxol™ (50 nM) and/or Taxol™ (50 nM)+compound 1(noted as AEG 03482) at levels of 5,10, and 20 uM. Compound 1 did notprotect H460 or OV2008 cells from Taxol™ induced apoptosis.

EXAMPLE 160 Protection of Sprague Dawley Rats from Taxol™ InducedNeuropathies

Adult Sprague Dawley rats were treated with Taxol™ (IP, 9 mg/kg inCremophor EL and ethanol) twice weekly for 3 weeks (J. Neuro-Oncology(1999) 41: 107–116). Compound was administered 1 hour prior to Taxol™treatment (IP, 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin).Taxol™ treated control animals were treated with saline solution at thesame time of Compound treated animals. Non-treated control animals weretreated with saline solution as above. Weight gain was measured everysecond day, starting at Day 1. Gait analysis was measured by quantifyingthe refracted light captured by a video camera as the animals walkedover a glass plate, 2 days after the final Taxol™ treatment (Physiologyand Behavior (1994), 55(4): 723–726; Med. Sci. Res. (1988) 16: 901–902).This data was analyzed by Northern Eclipse software. H/M wave recoverywas analyzed using standard procedures 2 days after the final Taxol™treatment (Muscle Nerve (1998) 21: 1405–1413; Annals of Neurology (1998)43 (1): 46–55).

FIG. 4 shows weight loss induced by Taxol™. Male Spraugue Dawley ratswere treated with 50% HPDC vehicle (veh/veh), compound 1 dissolved in50% HPDC at 1,5, or 10 mg/kg (veh/1, veh/5, veh/10, respectively), orTaxol™(9 mg/kg)+compound 1 dissolved in 50% HPDC at 1,5, and 10 mg/kg(Tax/1, Tax/5, Tax/10) according to the dosing regime described inExample 160. Weight measurements were made ever other day.

FIG. 5 shows gait disturbance induced by Taxol™ with compound 1. Twodays after the completion of drug treatments animal walking gait wasanalyzed according to a) total imprint area, and b) total number ofcontact points. Compound 1 prevented Taxol™ induced gait disturbance.

FIG. 6 illustrates the effect of Compound 1 on H-reflex amplitude, ameasurement of H/M wave disturbance induced by Taxol™. Two days afterthe completion of drug treatments, the dorsal root ganlia and attachednerves were dissected bilaterally from L4 and L5 and their H/M waveconductance measured. Compound 1 caused a reversal in H/M wavedisturbance induced by Taxol™.

EXAMPLE 161 Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury Model

Male Sprague Dawley rats were anaesthetized (halothane andbuprenorphine) and the right hind leg was blunt dissected to expose thesciatic nerve at mid-thigh. The nerve was crushed twice for a total of30 seconds using No.7 Dumont jeweller's forceps. The incision is suturedand the animals are allowed to recover for 28 days. Functional recoverywas measured by gait, nerve conductance and toe spread measurementsbetween digits land 5 and digits 2 and 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates sciatic nerve recovery after crush injury, asindicated by inner toe spread. Male Spraugue Dawley rats were subjectedto sciatic nerve crush and treated with either vehicle control, compound1 or compound 76 (noted as AEG 33764). Compounds 1 and 76 inducedincreased recovery in toe spread area.

EXAMPLE 162 Optical Stroke Model

The right eye of each rat was dilated fully using 1% tropacamide and 2.%pheylephrine hydrochloride (Alcon Canada). A single drop of 0.5%proparacaine (Alcon) was used as a topical anesthetic. The anteriorchamber of the right eye was cannulated with a 30-gauge needle connectedto a saline reservoir and a manometer to monitor intraocular pressure.Intraocular pressure was raised to 110 mm Hg by raising the salinereservoir for 60 minutes. This increase in pressure collapses thecentral retinal artery. Retinal ischemia was confirmed by whitening ofthe iris and loss of red reflex. After 60 minutes of ischemia, theintraocular pressure was normalized and the needle withdrawn. A 33-bluntneedle (Hamilton) was inserted through the comeal puncture, maneuveredaround the lens displacing it medially, and advanced into theintravitrial space. A 2 μL volume of drug or vehicle (50% HPCD) wasinjected into the vitreous of the eye. The needle was withdrawn andmaxitrol (Alcon) was applied to the cornea to prevent infection.Alternatively, drug was given subcutaneously before or after the insult,for a period of up to 14 days.

Optical function after 24 hrs, 28 hrs and 7 days was assessed using ERGmeasurements and histological staining of the RG layer.

FIG. 8 shows protection of RGs by compound 1 after ocular stroke. Ocularstroke was induced in the right eye of rats resulting in almost completeloss of the RG population, as seen here by a loss in reactivity of theoptic fiber to stimulation. Compound 1 was delivered intravitreallyfollowed by subsequent daily injections for 1 week post-ischemia (poststroke). Compound 1, given post stroke, protects the RG populationallowing for normal conductance.

EXAMPLE 163 CA II Inhibition

CA II inhabition was measured using the protocol described by Pocker,Y.′ Stone, J. Biochemistry 1967, 6, 668. The IC (50)s if selectedcompound represented by Formula I are listed in Table 6.

TABLE 6 CA II inhibition by compounds represented by formula I CompoundsIC(50) (uM) 1 0.250 4 0.217 5 0.192 6 0.164 7 0.581 8 1.47 11 1.80 121.59 13 4.05 14 0.198 15 0.152 16 0.150 17 0.179 18 0.337 19 0.373 200.404 21 5.32 22 0.153 24 0.613 25 0.302 37 0.199 38 0.577 39 0.154 401.52 41 0.346 42 0.272 43 0.886 44 0.619 45 0.166 46 0.601 47 0.361 480.288 49 0.466 50 0.938 72 1.61 72 2.19 74 1.68 75 0.441 76 0.526 811.58 82 5.43 87 0.128 99 0.914 105 0.150 111 53.2 137 2.06 139 11.3 14260.3

Example 164 Neuroprotection of Cortical Neurons in the Presence ofbeta-Amyloid

Primary neurona/glial cortical cultures were established from postnatalday 1 Sprague Dawley rats. Cerbral cortices were isolated anddissociated with 0.25% trypsin for 20 minutes at 37 degrees. The tissuewas then triturated in PBS containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin and0.2mgIml DNAse. Cells were plated in poly D-lysine coated 96 well platesat a density of 1e6 cells per mL. Cultures were maintained at 37 degreesin 5% CO2/95% air for 2 weeks in Neurobasal (Gibco) supplemented withB27, glutamine, and penicillin/streptomycin. 5ng/mL AraC was added after48 hours. After 2 weeks cells were exposed to 10 uM 25–35 amyloid betapeptide with and without 10 uM compound 76. After 2 days of treatmentapoptotic cells were detected with Cy3-conjugated annexin V (Sigma).

FIG. 9 shows the protection of provided by Compound 76 from amyloid beta25–35 toxicity. Mixed neuronal/cortical cultures were obtained from P1rat cortex. After 2 weeks in vitro cells were exposed to 10 uM 25–35amyloid beta peptide. Top (a) shows control untreated cultures displaylow level annexin V staining. Middle (b) shows 48 hour treatment withamyloid beta peptide results in the appearance of apoptotic cells whichstain with annexin V on the cell periphery. Bottom (c) illustratesco-treatment with 10 uM Compound 76 prevents the occurrence of annex inV stained cells.

1. A compound represented by formula:

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 2. A compound according toclaim 1 wherein the compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 3.The compound of claim 2, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt issodium.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 5. A pharmaceutical package comprising thepharmaceutical composition according to claim 4 and instructions foruse.